It's probably in the dragon to make him sparkling. Maybe in the violet tail or blue chest where it's almost white. An iridescent would look lovely.

I have 2 suggestions: 1). Forget it; he's beautiful anyway, & 2). "Interpret". (Needlework talk for 'do whatever you want with your pattern').

BF is annoying to stitch, but gives a nice look. Probably the easiest is going over the stitches a second time with a half cross stitch over the top leg of the stitches. \\\\\\\

I would do the gold in the claws with the gold filament to make it stand out.

It's your call shatan! You are the stitcher, designer. Go for what feels good.

Claws? By golly, jclifford, you are right! I didn't even notice them & they're gorgeous.