I always thought that hearing Emma's name broke the curse for Gold. I thought that's why he asked Snow for her name and why he wrote her name down a bunch of times in his cell.

As for Snow's comment about being prettier, I think it was Snow being facetious. At least, that's how I rationalize it. Maybe the writers didn't have all the kinks worked out, but a few episodes later (Snow Falls?), didn't someone (David?) ask her why the queen hated her and she said because Regina blames her for ruining her life and Snow admits that she did?