The color on the stands in the pictures is from a 22kt gold plating. Even though the stands are brass, all of them are copper plated first, then nickel plated. This keeps the brass from tarnishing. Then we offer two finishes, either the nickel plate (which also does not tarnish) or we gold plate over the nickel for a nice yellow finish. The yellow looks good for most everything, but we have some coin collectors and fossil collectors who prefer the nickel finish, so we do both. Let me know where to send one if you want to give it a try. - Paul