Convert raster effect to vector

Is there a simple and easy way to convert a piece of art with a raster effect to vector? I have a rectangle with a gradient with the Graphic pen effect applied, but my client needs it all in vector to produce the piece (a belt buckle). The only thing I've come up with is to expand the appearance and then Live Trace it. Haven't been totally satisfied with the results, still playing with the trace options, but I wanted to see if anybody else had a better and more accurate way of going about it.

The belt buckle will probably be made from a mold or die. Any artwork can be used for a mold or die as long as the resolution is high enough. If the buckle will be made using a computer controlled router, then you'll need vector artwork to provide paths that direct the router.
Auototrace using Live paint. Play with the settings. And don't be surprised if the router operator balks at too many small paths or too rough an outline.

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