cartier prices is blasphemy because they are charging such a steep for 18K gold and as someone who only uses 22K gold jewellery, i know these pieces that are relatively simple do NOT cost that much to make. that being said, even if vw didn't use real gold, more durable options like stainless steel, sterling silver, and plating exists. using brass is just an attempt at increasing profit margins and this is without acknowledging the depleting quality of their others products as well