goldplate
Thin precious veneer
Goldplate means to cover with a thin layer of gold, or to add expensive but unnecessary features to something.
The second sense dominates in business and government contexts, where it describes padding budgets or over-engineering projects beyond actual requirements: The contractor goldplated the proposal with features nobody asked for.
The past participle goldplated describes objects coated in gold or projects bloated with extras.
Ornamental personal accessories
- watchPortable timekeeping device
- cutleryEating implements collectively
- flatwareEating utensils collectively
- hardwareMetal goods and fittings
fixtures · faucets · frames · trophies · medals · buttons · buckles · pens
Not the real thing
- ersatzArtificial and inferior substitute
- simulatedMade to imitate reality
- knockoffUnauthorized replica product
- counterfeitFraudulent imitation
cheap · tarnishing · flaking · peeling · thin · superficial · veneer · hollow
Surpassing reasonable bounds
- unnecessaryNot essential or required
- elaborateComplex and detailed
- bloatedSwelled from excess
- extravagantExceeding sensible bounds
overkill · embellishment · superfluous · overbuilt · costly · wasteful · perfectionism
Softly bright, reflective
- gleamingReflecting light brightly
- shinyReflecting light smoothly
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- reflectiveCasting back light
sheen · gloss · brilliant · radiant · glinting · sparkling · burnished · bright
For beauty, not function
- embellishedDecorated or exaggerated
- adornedMade ornamental
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- engravedCut into surface
inlaid · baroque · rococo · trimmed · accent · detail · flourish · motif
jewelry
Ornamental personal accessories
- watchPortable timekeeping device
- cutleryEating implements collectively
- flatwareEating utensils collectively
hardware · fixtures · faucets · frames · trophies · medals · buttons · buckles · pens · cufflinks
fake
Not the real thing
- ersatzArtificial and inferior substitute
- simulatedMade to imitate reality
- knockoffUnauthorized replica product
counterfeit · cheap · tarnishing · flaking · peeling · thin · superficial · veneer · hollow · deceptive
excessive
Surpassing reasonable bounds
- unnecessaryNot essential or required
- elaborateComplex and detailed
- bloatedSwelled from excess
extravagant · overkill · embellishment · superfluous · overbuilt · costly · wasteful · perfectionism
lustrous
Softly bright, reflective
- gleamingReflecting light brightly
- shinyReflecting light smoothly
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
reflective · sheen · gloss · brilliant · radiant · glinting · sparkling · burnished · bright · warm-toned
ornamental
For beauty, not function
- embellishedDecorated or exaggerated
- adornedMade ornamental
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
engraved · inlaid · baroque · rococo · trimmed · accent · detail · flourish · motif · scrollwork
electrodeposition
Coating surfaces using electricity
- anodeOxidation electrode
- cathodeElectrode current exits through
- electrolyteConductive dissolved substance
galvanic · thickness · adhesion · conductivity · microns · bath · solution · bonding · substrate · current
goldplatesolid gold
Entirely of precious yellow metal
pure gold · sterling silver · gold bullion · authentic · genuine article
goldplateminimum viable product
Simplest testable market offering
MVP · bare-bones · strip down · streamline · simplify