That's lovely news! It's certainly interesting that there was realism considerations placed in the original concept to have them enamel-like. If people want a lore-friendly reason for the new metallic versions, maybe you can envision that Eorzean alchemists have discovered anodizing/electrochemical-plating techniques and taught them to the realms armorers?

Actually there's another thought for the graphics team: would it at all be possible to provide both options? Maybe some gear looks good in the enamel, some in the metallic, and having the choice could be interesting, say as special new dye colors named "Metallic Dalamud Red" in addition to the existing plain "Dalamud Red". Kind of like how many car racing games do it, you can choose the finish of the paint (matte, metallic, chrome, pearlescent) separately from the hue.