It began in gritty rock clubs in London and ended up on fashion runways in New York – that’s the long, strange trip taken by punk rock-inspired jewelry.

Earlier this year, punk jewelry came into the spotlight with the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibit Punk: Chaos to Couture, which examined “punk’s impact on high fashion from the movement’s birth in the early 1970s through its continuing influence today.”

The exhibit’s opening gala attracted A-listers like Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Tommy Hilfiger, while Chanel, Burberry, and Dolce & Gabbana contributed outlandish fashions. No fashion statement would be complete without jewelry, and punk-inspired accessories rocked the red carpet with dark metals and black diamonds, spike studs and ear cuffs.

“Punk was born in a rebellious era, when creative and resourceful individuals used ordinary objects to make a statement. Now it’s resurfaced in couture closets and jewelry boxes, dressed up in gold and diamonds – but still with an edgy look,” says GIA Exhibit Developer and Graduate Jeweler & Graduate Gemologist McKenzie Santimer.

Although these unorthodox designs may not appeal to traditional jewelry connoisseurs they’re certainly fun to admire. Check out how some celebrities chose to show off their punkier side at the Costume Institute Gala and opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition.

Jessica Alba wearing 18k white gold, black rhodium, and diamond serpent earrings from Jack Vartanian’s Glam Leopard Collection.

These 18k white gold, black rhodium, and diamond serpent earrings snaked up the ears of Jessica Alba for her red carpet appearance. From Jack Vartanian’s Glam Leopard Collection.

Lauren Santo Domingo wearing blacked white gold and diamond rings by Eva Fehren.

Lauren Santo Domingo, co-Founder of Moda Operandi, contributing editor to Vogue, and co-chair of the exhibition, wore these blacked white gold and diamond rings by Eva Fehren. The criss-cross design is reminiscent of the ripped, torn garments of the punk rock style

Diane Kruger wearing palladium and black and white diamond ear cuffs by Jacob & Co.

These palladium and black and white diamond ear cuffs were the perfect complement to Diane Kruger’s feminine yet edgy look. Jacob & Co. custom-made these clip-on earrings for Kruger.

January Jones wearing 18k yellow gold, opal and diamond pave cone earrings, designed by Genevieve Jones.

One of the most iconic looks of the punk rock fashion trend is the stud, and Mad Men’s January Jones wore her own take on this look with these 18k yellow gold, opal and diamond pave cone earrings, designed by Genevieve Jones.

Do any of these punk-inspired pieces inspire you? While perhaps not part of your everyday wear, do you have any “punkier” jewelry favorites you turn to for a fun night out?

Main image shows Jack Vartanian Glam Leopard Spinel Earrings

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