errm, some very rough calculations indicate the material cost alone for a GOLD facia is in the order of £3,500 or $5,500

You could reduce the price somewhat by using something less than 24 Kt gold, which would be too soft anyway. 18 or 14 Kt would be harder and perhaps cost 25 - 41% less (18 Kt gold is 75% gold and 25% copper and other metals).

Stu