Chances are she's not allergic to all metals, but rather to nickel. Most sewing needles are coated with nickel. It looks as if John James makes gold-plated betweens. Here is a link, but I would contact the Colonial Needle Company before purchasing to make sure that they are entirely gold-plated. Some needles have just a "gold eye",
http://www.quiltingbookspatternsandn...products/10601
Edit:
Here is a link to the John James site that shows both gold-plated and platinum-plated needles. These are imported from England, I think, but should be available in the U.S.
http://www.jjneedles.com/categories/...atinum-Plated/