Finding the Gnome Hat and earning an "S" rank is a good way to obtain gold. Try using mushroom springboards to reach areas that may be hidden. If a platform does not have a spiked wall in front of it, try rolling under the small gap at the bottom to reach hidden areas. If you find a wall that can be used to change directions, do so and explore all the possibilities.

If you have missed a gem or a fairy before the end of a quest, die or restart the level. You will not get credit for an "S" rank on that quest if you do not collect all the gold.