Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of Iconic Cassandane Collection Inspired by Ancient Love Story

Lionheart, the fine jewelry brand founded by sisters Joy and Sarah Haugaard, is celebrating the 13th anniversary of its signature Cassandane collection. This milestone coincides with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, a time of renewal and spring equinox, making it a fitting moment to honor a collection deeply rooted in history and symbolism.

A Love Story Etched in Gold

The Cassandane collection draws its profound inspiration from the ancient Persian Empire and the remarkable love story between Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great. Designer Joy Haugaard was captivated by historical accounts that depicted Queen Cassandane with unusual reverence, a rarity for queens in ancient imperial history. The narrative of Cyrus the Great ordering mourning throughout the empire upon her death highlights a rare depth of devotion and the significant respect Cassandane commanded.

“The romance between them really stands apart in ancient imperial history,” says Joy Haugaard, founder and designer of Lionheart. “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.”

Symbolism of Love, Luck, and Light

Each piece in the Cassandane collection is designed to be a tangible symbol of enduring love, meant to be cherished, worn daily, and passed down through generations. The collection features a signature handcrafted fluted medallion, framed by delicate beaded borders and diamond accents, often in 18-karat yellow gold. These designs echo ancient ornamentation and classical jewelry artistry.

Beyond romantic love, the heart motif within the collection pays tribute to the many forms love takes—between partners, friends, family, and even self-love. The collection embodies luck, light, and love, with motifs including hearts, suns, and clovers.

“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,” states 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.”

An Heirloom for Generations

Since Joy Haugaard first created and copyrighted the Cassandane heart motif in 2013, before the official founding of Lionheart in 2018, the collection has evolved into an iconic symbol for the brand. The pieces are crafted with heirloom quality in mind, intended to gather meaning over time.

The Cassandane collection encompasses a range of jewelry, including medallions, rings, pendant necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. The collection retails from approximately $5,000 to $40,000. Notable pieces include the ‘Cassandane’ double heart earrings, featuring 2.30 carats of diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold, priced at $14,450.