Clear coating polished metals

[Stellar1024]

Curious if you guys have any tricks or techniques or specific products you use that maintains the highly polished look of a metal inlay once the clear coat is applied. I typically use automotive clearcoat, but I've also experimented with cyanoacrylate and epoxy and have gotten pretty similar results -- the shine just isn't the same once the metal is coated.

On stainless joints I can always stop the clear before the joint, but on inlays and most rings I don't have that option...

Thanks!