A Raman-active particle as well as a method of making a Raman-active particle are described. The Raman-active particle includes a core particle and a coating. The coating substantially covers the core particle. A Raman-active analyte is at least partially within the coating. The method of making a Raman-active particle includes i) providing a colloidal solution comprising a core particle; ii) providing a coating or coating precursor to the colloidal solution to form a resulting solution; and iii) providing a Raman-active analyte to the resulting solution. A method of conducting an assay is also described. The method includes: i) attaching a Raman-active particle to a targeted moiety; ii) measuring the Raman spectrum of the Raman-active particle; and iii) correlating the Raman spectrum to the presence of the targeted moiety.