This is a nice desk for the price.  The Gold is a Shiny Gold.  Worked for me. ... Other reviews spoke about all the parts .. there are a lot of parts - Sort them out before you start assembly.  One more thing - have a Solid Surface when you attach top to legs... My husband had it on the cardboard and he over tightened the screw right through the top piece of the desk.... OUR Error .. not the manufacturers.  - Now what to do?  LOL  Its a nice desk.