Swappable Stones That Tell a Story
In Season
Lionheart’s new collection follows mood, meaning, and time of year.
By Deborah Yonick
(Originally Published by MJSA September, 2025)
Joy Haugaard
Lionheart
New York City
Charms, symbols, and seasonal gemstones unite in Lionheart’s new collection, where fine jewelry reflects personal transformation.
Joy Haugaard, designer and co-founder of Lionheart in New York City, encourages collectors to embrace growth, transformation, and a deeper connection to jewelry with the brand’s latest Seasons collection.
Designed to be playful yet refined, the collection features modern talisman charms handcrafted in 14k gold with diamonds. Its interchangeable nature reinforces the idea that fine jewelry can adapt, evolve, and reflect the many layers of who we are.
Wearers can recreate their look using swappable gemstone discs, offering endless ways to reimagine the amulet to match a season, occasion, or mood. The mechanism is discreet but secure: from the back of the medallion, the gem disc slides up and out of the top of its solid gold frame.
Each pendant comes with a curated box of handcrafted gemstone discs reflecting the colors and spirit of the four seasons. These include natural gems such as mother-of-pearl, turquoise, malachite, lapis, and onyx, as well as a variety of dyed mother-of-pearl colors.
“I wanted to create something that allows you to take your favorite piece and change it up, making it feel new every time you wear it,” says Haugaard. “I wanted to show that jewelry can be a beautifully engineered piece with many facets, layers, and a buildable nature where design and craftsmanship meet innovation.”
Rooted in Storytelling
Each charm in the collection is designed to be a unique expression of the wearer’s evolving journey.
Among the many design motifs are the moon, sun, and stars—symbols of guidance and cycles; the evil eye, an emblem of protection; and the compass, which speaks to life’s journey. The bursting heart represents passion and love, while the padlock heart symbolizes trust and meaningful bonds.
“The designs become a way for someone to create a piece that resonates with their own story, energy, and what they want to carry with them every day,” she explains. “I want the medallions to feel like modern talismans, something that carries meaning, energy, joy, and protection.”
Experience the Jewelry
Haugaard hopes the collection will encourage people to express themselves and tell their stories through the interchangeable elements—to enjoy the freedom of a piece that feels both timeless and ever-changing.
“It’s not about wearing a beautiful piece, but about creating a connection, choosing the colors, symbols, and energies that speak to you on any given day,” she says. “I want both jewelers and consumers to experience jewelry as truly alive and personal.”
Originally from Denmark, Haugaard, and her sister Sarah, with whom she founded Lionheart in 2020, moved to New York City in their teens and quickly fell in love with the vibrant, artistic energy of the city.
Haugaard’s passion for art, self-expression, and beauty has been nurtured by New York’s creative spirit. Drawn to the elegance of gemstones and the stories they hold, she began designing jewelry that paired modern sophistication with vintage charm. This vision launched Lionheart.
Every piece is crafted with attention to detail, using responsibly sourced diamonds and gems set in 14k or 18k Italian gold. Blending Scandinavian minimalism and New York flair, Haugaard designs to empower the wearer to connect their inner beauty, wisdom, and resilience.