Is Princess Diana’s ring eclipsed in The Crown by the queen’s pearls? Netflix drama shows the British monarch and prime minister Margaret Thatcher using pearls to project power

Finally The Crown is back on Netflix with its fourth series. Chronicling Queen Elizabeth’s reign from 1979 to 1990, the new season has recreated some of the era’s most iconic outfits – including the wedding dress of the late Princess Diana, played by Emma Corrin – as well as the classic suit looks of the formidable British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher.

The scene with Princess Diana picking her sapphire engagement ring from what the queen calls “a rather special box of chocolates” puts the royal jewellery in the spotlight, too. Her majesty herself wears her famous triple-strand pearl necklaces, which allegedly signify when she’s on duty as the head of the royal family. Mrs Thatcher, despite her intense relationship with the queen which is also depicted in the new season, shares the same penchant for pearl jewellery, evidenced in her own iconic earrings.

From Queen Elizabeth and the “Iron Lady” Mrs Thatcher to today’s latest female figurehead, America’s first female vice-president-elect Kamala Harris – with her designer single-strand necklace and earrings – pearls have been the go-to jewel for powerful women. Here, we handpick the most gorgeous new pearl jewellery that makes an elegant yet forceful fashion statement.