Lionheart Jewelry Review 2026: NYC-Made 18k Gold Charms With a Story
There's a particular kind of necklace people ask about across the dinner table. Not a logo, not a trend piece, but a small gold horseshoe glinting with diamonds, or a butterfly charm whose centre stone you swapped this morning from turquoise to malachite to match your sweater. That's the territory Lionheart works in: 18-karat gold charms and medallions made to order in New York, meant to be worn daily and handed down later.
These are serious purchases, mostly in the thousands of dollars. So we went through Lionheart's collections, U.S. prices, lead times and its strict return policy in October 2026. Here's what you'll find, and what to know before you click buy.
The Story: Two Danish Sisters in New York
Lionheart's Our Story page says the brand was founded by sisters Joy and Sarah. Originally from Denmark, they moved to New York in their teens. Designer Joy Haugaard grew up riding horses in Aarhus, and the brand describes its look as "a thoughtful blend of Scandinavian minimalism, the eclectic flair of New York, and a taste of multicultural influences."
Family runs through the collections. The Wings of Love collection was designed in memory of the sisters' grandmother. The Cassandane collection, inspired by Queen Cassandane of the Persian Empire, was designed years before the brand was born. The Legacy horse collection draws on Joy's childhood with horses. All proceeds from one Legacy piece, the 13 Hands Equine x Lionheart Charm, go to 13 Hands Equine Rescue in New York State.
What Makes It Different: Made to Order, Mostly by Hand in NYC
Product pages are refreshingly specific. Most pieces list the gold karat, total carat weight, measurements and where they're made. Here's what that looks like in practice:
- 18-karat gold, handmade in NYC. Pieces like the Cassandane medallions, Legacy charms and Aurelia rings are listed as "Made to Order" and "Handmade in NYC."
- Interchangeable design. Seasons™ charms are handcrafted in Italy and come with 12 swappable gemstones, from lapis lazuli and turquoise to several shades of mother of pearl. One charm gives you a dozen looks.
- Build your own. Charms, medallions, connectors and chains are sold separately, so you can start with a chain and add pieces over time.
- Bespoke work. One-on-one appointments with Joy Haugaard, at the NYC showroom or virtually, for engagement rings and custom pieces in 14K or 18K gold with genuine gemstones.
Shop the Lionheart Highlights
Four signature pieces from Lionheart's October 2026 lineup, with the USD prices we saw on the brand's site.
Prices change often; the brand's site always shows the current price.
The Lineup: From First Charm to Heirloom
| Product | Price (USD) | Buy this if… |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy 13 Hands Equine x Lionheart Charm | $250 sterling silver / $850 14k gold | You want an entry piece where all proceeds go to horse rescue |
| Oval Link Chain (18k) | $1,550–$2,550 | You're starting a charm necklace and need the chain first |
| Arrow Diamond Mini Charm Necklace | $2,800 | You want a small, everyday diamond piece |
| Bloom Ruby Flower Necklace | $3,200 | You love color: 0.55 ctw rubies on 18k gold |
| Cassandane Small Diamond Heart Medallion | $5,850 | You want the house's heirloom-style medallion |
| Serenity Small Diamond Amulet Charm Necklace | $5,950 | You prefer white gold or a symbolic amulet |
| Aurelia Beaded Ruby Ring | $6,950 | You stack rings and want 1.60 ctw of rubies |
| Legacy Diamond Horseshoe Charm Necklace | $7,950 | You ride, or just love equestrian style |
| Best Friend Beagle Diamond Bead Medallion | $8,450 | You want a dog-breed medallion with optional engraving |
| Seasons Interchangeable Charms | $8,950–$11,595 (styles we saw) | You want one charm that changes with your outfit |
Cassandane or Serenity?
The Cassandane Small Diamond Heart Medallion is a 23mm heart set with 0.35 ctw of diamonds in 18k yellow gold. Note that it's sold as the charm only, so budget for a chain. The Serenity Small Diamond Amulet Charm Necklace comes complete on an 18" chain adjustable to 16", in yellow or white gold, with 0.60 ctw of diamonds on a 13.5mm amulet. Buy Cassandane if you want a bolder heart to build a stack around. Buy Serenity if you want a finished necklace on day one.
Is a Seasons charm worth it?
At $8,950 and up it's the splurge, but the value is in the swap. The Butterfly version includes 0.75 ctw of diamonds plus emeralds, and ships with 12 interchangeable stones. That's a different look for every month of the year without buying a new necklace.
Dog lovers: meet Lionheart's Best Friend collection
Lionheart makes breed-specific dog medallions, including beagle, dalmatian, shih tzu, German shepherd and more. The beagle is about the size of a U.S. quarter (roughly 25mm) and has 0.45 ctw of diamonds. Lionheart offers complimentary personalized engraving on the dog bone on request, so you can add your dog's name.
Shipping, Lead Times and Returns
| Policy | What Lionheart says |
|---|---|
| U.S. shipping | Complimentary 2-day priority shipping on all domestic orders, insured, signature required |
| International | Flat rate $95; duties and taxes are the customer's responsibility |
| Lead time | In-stock items ship immediately; made-to-order pieces take 1–6 weeks for production and shipping |
| Return window | 7 days from delivery |
| Refunds | Only on ready-to-ship items (listed under the In Stock tab) |
| Other items | Exchange or store credit only; return label cost is deducted from credit unless the item arrived damaged |
| Final sale | Custom-made, engraved, custom-length, sale or discounted items and gift cards |
| Repairs | Contact info@lionheartjewelry.com |
This is the part to read twice. Most Lionheart pieces are made to order, which means they can be exchanged or credited but not refunded, and only within 7 days. If you need something by a date, email the team about rush options before you order.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 18k gold pieces handmade to order in NYC | Most pieces cost several thousand dollars |
| Clear specs: carat weight, size and chain length listed | Refunds only on ready-to-ship items |
| Free insured 2-day shipping in the U.S. | 7-day window for exchanges and credit |
| Interchangeable Seasons charms and build-your-own design | Made-to-order lead time of up to 6 weeks |
| Bespoke appointments with the designer | Engraved, custom and discounted items are final sale |
| 13 Hands charm proceeds go to horse rescue | International orders pay $95 plus duties |
Who Will Love Lionheart?
- Charm collectors who build a necklace one meaningful piece at a time.
- Equestrians and horse lovers drawn to the Legacy collection.
- Dog people who want their breed, and their dog's name, in gold.
- Milestone shoppers marking an anniversary, birth or promotion.
- Custom-minded buyers who want to design a ring with the founder.
How to Save at Lionheart
- Use the welcome code on Lionheart's site. In October 2026 the site banner read "Use coupon code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order."
- Enjoy free 2-day U.S. shipping, which is complimentary on all domestic orders.
- Start with a chain. The Oval Link Chain from $1,550 lets you add charms later instead of buying everything at once.
- Shop in-stock pieces if you want the option of a refund.
- Check our deals page before you buy.
Lionheart FAQ
Where is Lionheart jewelry made?
Most pieces we checked are listed as handmade in NYC. Seasons interchangeable charms are listed as handcrafted in Italy.
How long will my order take?
In-stock pieces ship right away. Made-to-order pieces take 1–6 weeks for production and shipping. U.S. delivery is 2-day priority once shipped.
Can I return a Lionheart piece?
Ready-to-ship items can be refunded if you notify Lionheart within 7 days of delivery. Other eligible items get an exchange or store credit. Engraved, custom, sale or discounted items are final sale.
Do medallions come with a chain?
Not always. The Cassandane Small Diamond Heart Medallion is sold as the charm only, while pieces named "Charm Necklace" include a chain. Check the "Includes" line on each listing.
Our Verdict
Lionheart is for people who want their jewelry to carry a story, whether that's a horse, a heart, a dog or a swappable stone. The 18k gold, NYC making and clear specs justify a lot. The 7-day, mostly no-refund return policy is the main thing to weigh. Shop in-stock if flexibility matters, then check our Lionheart deals page before you order.
How we wrote this: WeartrialsLab researched Lionheart using its official website, product listings, prices and policies in October 2026. We haven't personally tested these products and we don't invent ratings or discount codes. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.