I have always liked the slightly golden appearance of what I believe
is passivated cadmium plating on steel.  The process may also work with
zinc plating.  I have seen it on the cases of much electrical equipment
where it is useful because, unlike paint, it leaves an electrically
conductive surface.  I have no idea how it's done or what it costs.

Jeffrey Borinsky

 [ A neighbor plated wire baskets, etc., for cafeterias and hospitals.
 [ It looked almost like nickel, but he said it was something like
 [ "electroless zinc", and costs a little more than simple zinc dip.
 [ Anyhow, it was sure a pretty-looking zinc finish.
 [
 [ Jeffrey also wrote to me asking if "anodised salts" might cure ail-
 [ ments like warts and halitosis.  I'll ask the plater about that!  ;)
 [ -- Robbie