It’s tough to say when the current vogue for shoulder-duster earrings began, but one possibility dates back to 2009, when Michelle Obama broke the prim and proper first lady mold at her husband’s inaugural ball by accessorizing her white Jason Wu gown with shoulder-grazing diamond drops by rock-’n’-roll jeweler Loree Rodkin. Two years later, with asymmetrical necklines firmly entrenched in fashion, lean drop earrings—extra-long and dramatic, affordable or OTT— are the perfect way to add balance to lopsided garments, eschewing the volume of chandeliers for a sleeker, more sculptural presence.

1. (Above) Irradiado earrings in 18k matte yellow gold; $4,200; Carla Amorim, Chicago; 312-305-6476; carlaamorim.com
2. Stick pavé tsavorite earrings, XL, in oxidized Gilver and 24k gold; $2,710; Yossi Harari, New York City; 212-872-2518; yossiharari.com
3. Autumn Cascade earrings with red-orange sapphire rondelles and amethyst briolettes in 18k gold; $1,590; Amáli, New York City; 718-789-8976; amalijewelry.com
4. Tourmaline and diamond earrings in 18k gold; $25,000; Vianna, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; 55-31-3311-9000; viannajoias.com.br
5. Handwoven 14k gold chain fringe earrings; $2,425; Simon Alcantara, New York City; 212-219-1749; simonalcantara.com