I'd paint the frame a dark color like a black or dark brown, then I'd get rub 'n' buff and rub the gold finish on top to hit the highlights, leaving the crevices dark.

The alternative is to get some dark acrylic paint and water down if necessary and rub it on with a rag over the gold, wiping up the highlighted areas, leaving it to collect in the crevices.

For the "brass rings" on the columns in my library, I ended up using a fake gold leaf first and then painting over it with black to get the look I wanted.

Annie,

This frame doesn't really have any deep crevices. I'm looking for a raw, bright, unpatinated/unaged look to it. It's for a pretty dark colour where I want something bright and shiny.

Even real gold in suspension (like shell gold, for instance) isn't shiny. If you want shiny, you should leaf it. Any kind of imitation gold leaf will turn eventually, though. The speed will depend partly on the leaf contents, partly on the sealer, and partly on your climate.

I am not crafty and am not looking to take on a leafing project, in all honesty. I know nothing will look like *actual* gold leaf, but the best at look at a reasonable distance is sufficient for me. The mirror will be hung inside and if it looks terrible after a few years I would probably just do it over... Or leaf it, if I learn how to and have the patience then ;)

I ended up using Design Masters Brilliant Gold from Michael's and it looks stunning.

Thanks cfvh, I've struggled finding a quick, decent gold.