(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK, NY — Lionheart, the award-winning fine jewelry brand from sisters Joy and Sarah Haugaard, is thrilled to celebrate the auspicious 13th anniversary of their iconic Cassandane collection. This Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebrated on the spring equinox to mark the beginning of spring and the renewal of nature, Lionheart will be celebrating a milestone 13th anniversary of the Cassandane Collection, one of the brand’s most beloved and enduring designs. Created and copyrighted by founder and designer Joy Haugaard in 2013, years before Lionheart officially came to life, the Cassandane collection has evolved into an iconic symbol of the brand, an heirloom collection rooted in history, symbolism, and craftsmanship.
“The Cassandane collection draws inspiration from the Great Persian Empire and the beautiful love story between Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great, one of history’s most respected rulers,” says Joy Haugaard, designer and founder of Lionheart. “The romance between them really stands apart in ancient imperial history. Queens were barely recorded, but I love that Cassandane appears in historical accounts with unusual reverence. When she died, Cyrus is said to have ordered mourning throughout the empire, a rare decree that speaks to his depth of devotion and to the respect that Cassandane commanded. I see this collection as a celebration of female empowerment and a testament to the enduring power of true love.”
The work of the Lionheart sisters Joy and Sarah Haugaard has always centered around meaningful charms and storytelling through jewelry. The story of Cassandane and Cyrus captured Joy’s imagination not only for its historical significance, but also for its emotional resonance. Inspired by their abiding bond, Joy set out to create a piece of jewelry that could embody that feeling, a tangible symbol of love that one can hold close, wear daily, and pass down through generations. Each piece in the collection reflects that inspiration through its distinctive design: a handcrafted fluted medallion framed by delicate beaded borders, echoing ancient ornamentation and the artistry of classical jewelry.
Rich in symbolism, the collection embodies rings, pendant necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in 18K gold with diamond accents, ranging from about $5,000 to $40,000. The pieces are imbued with luck, light, and love – the three enduring forces that transcend time and culture. The heart motif stands as a tribute not only to romantic love, but also to the many forms love can take: between partners, friends, family, and oneself. Designed to be worn every day yet cherished for generations, each Cassandane piece is crafted with heirloom quality in mind. The medallions are meant to gather meaning over time, held close, gifted with intention, and ultimately passed down from one generation to the next.
“As Lionheart marks 13 years of Cassandane, the number itself feels especially fitting: a symbol of fortune and transformation, and a reminder that the most powerful designs are those that endure,” says Sarah Haugaard, Operations Director at Lionheart. “This Nowruz, the Cassandane Collection celebrates renewal, devotion, and the timeless beauty of love… an heirloom of luck, light, and love to carry into the year ahead.”
The collection can be viewed in its entirety here. For more information on Lionheart, click here or follow @lionheartjewelry on Instagram.
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