Cheery BlossomsJust in time for spring, the Henderson Collection in Charlotte, N.C., is planting a fresh crop of floral-inspired 18k gold designs in its Italian Gardens collection. Manufactured in Italy, a proprietary cross-beam structure gives the lightweight jewels—full of negative space and airy, cagelike structures to keep the weight down, but strong enough to retain their shape through daily wear—a luxury look at a quarter of the cost of similar heavier pieces made with conventional casting, says the company.“In light of the economy, many designers have turned to creating their karat gold designs in sterling or other materials,” says owner Lecil Henderson. Still, consumer demand for gold jewelry remains high; so this line is one way to offer a karat gold product at a price point.Henderson Collection Italian Gardens necklace in 18k gold with black and yellow filigree elements