You could Gold Leaf it..

Spray the idol with polyurethane and leave till its tacky, then apply the gold leaf and leave to dry. Once dry brush down excess with your wifes CLEAN blusher brush ( she'll love any remnants left as it will ad a gold lustre to her cheeks!) and then spray again with your polyurethane.
You can use any spray adhesive/ coating but P/thane or in fact clear acrylic will tack it down and seal it... one can wonder!

Gold leaf was or still is available from Spotlight..

OR..
Real stuff here..

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/100-pcs-24-Karat-Edible-Gold-Leaf-for-Cooking-Art-Framing-Gilding-AUTHENTIC-/261260189665?pt=AU_Art_Supplies&hash=item3cd4521fe1

Fake stuff here..

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/25-Sheets-Imitation-Gold-Leaf-Foil-Gilding-Nail-Art-Foil-Lips-Craft-DIY-Hobby-L-/271380731562?pt=AU_Art_Supplies&hash=item3f2f8d56aa


Both will do the job...

+1 gold leaf, would give it the aged look too.

As far a blush brush, after seeing Gav in that pin shirt, I'm thinking may he has had some experience with the blush brush and glitter on his own cheeks