The reason tungsten is used in incandescent bulbs is because it can withstand the high temperature required to generate light. Gold is totally unsuitable.

Platinum may work but may be very very expensive.

Tungsten has a negative temperature coefficient for conduction. As the temperature increases from heating up, the resistance increases and reduces the current flow. At some point for a given voltage, the brightness is controlled by the cross-section and length of the filament. Gold is too good of a conductor, as is platinum, it would be too difficult to control the voltage for the tiny long wire needed. Also, gold and platinum have low melting temperatures. The expense of materials and manufacturing would be excessive, and impractical.

Gold plated tungsten filaments are available and are used in infrared quartz envelope heating elements. People can not see much in the infrared band, but we certainly benefit from its radiant heat. The gold has little effect upon the temperature of the element, but it helps prevent the tungsten from breaking down over time and blackening the quartz envelope.

The brightness of the bulb is a function of how hot the material becomes; not what it's made of. But other factors including durability are as important.

I am the person with this idea, it would work becuase if it had the proper thickness, the melting point of gold AU is almost 2000 degrees Fareinheight. I do not know of any lightbulbs espeacially normal home lightbulbs, that reach this temperature. Thank you for letting the world know how smart you and your dis to me on this topic. I am going to go forth with the design of this, and get it pattened.

You are right. Gold melts at about 1,947 degrees Farenheit.

Tungsten melts at about 6,170 degrees Farenheit.

Light bulbs run the filament at about 5,000 degrees Farenheit.

You might want to study up on the "Black Body Radiation Curve" to figure out how these temperatures map into the wavelength of light created.