I have a bit of a thing for nickel plating. I love the warm look of it, almost a pale coppery-bronze. Somehow it's different and eye-catching without being as "cold" as chrome.
Polished ally is even bluer than chrome, though I like it too. Have a look at these beauties from Mark Turner:
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthrea.../o/all/fpart/1
Cheers,
Cam