When I was in France, I was struck by the sumptous beauty of the gilded rooms of Versailles.  In our own country similar heights of gilded splendor are found in The Breakers and many other Newport, RI mansions. My first decorative painting job in New York City many years ago was in the iconic Victorian era apartment building The Dakota. For weeks I gilded the ornate multiple layers of crown and cove moldings with 22k gold high up on ladders near the 14’ high ceilings.  Since then I have done extensive leafing with gold, white gold, palladium, silver, every precious leaf out there on ceilings, furniture, architectural ornaments, moldings, exterior, interior, everything.  The beautiful clean surface of perfect precious leaf is as wonderful as an aged and distressed one. The two types of gilding we use are the traditional time extensive process of water gilding, and gilding with a size of either oil or latex.  Gold will always be synonymous with wealth and success.