First of all I think the subject line for most of this thread doesn't do justice to what's being discussed and perhaps other posters might have added their comments had they known which direction this thread was taking .. ?
Secondly, when British (& Australian) posters are stating that the Duchess was expected to be seen with some bigger pieces but now find all sorts of arguments ("austerity" e,g,) for the fact she didn't may have forgotten the February 11, 2014 event when the Duchess of Cambridge attended The Portrait Gala 2014 Gala evening ... and surprised friend and foe by wearing this far from discrete heirloom