I really am enjoying this technique, going with a brighter gold like the one on the left, less realistic but more "heroic", this is diffuse only in flat lighting :)
Also if you are using dual monitors DAZ studio is free. It helps to rotate a realistic (scanned in) model around to check on forms, while you are working.
and I updated the renders. they did look like crap. Oh, and all of this is supposed to be very thrown together, without tools and scavenged. and its a realistic game.
This is my new work trying to achieve realistic look for my character inside Marmoset Toolbag. More Images here> https://www.artstation.com/artwork/nDRXE
Overall its pretty good, this is the part where ill start adding a realistic amount of fat to some areas to keep it from looking unrealistically ripped.