"Brass shines as fair to the ignorant as gold to the goldsmiths"

This quote by Elizabeth I is a metaphor that speaks with the power of looks. The contrast of brass to gold is utilized to show how something that is not important to those who comprehend its real worth can still appear valuable to those who are oblivious of its real worth. The quote suggests that looks can be tricking and that it is necessary to look beyond the surface area to understand the true worth of something. It also indicates that those who are educated and experienced in a specific field are better geared up to recognize the real value of something than those who are not. This quote serves as a pointer to be mindful of the power of appearances and to look beyond them to understand the true worth of something.