A jewellery container from goldsmith, Yap Song Heng

Gold is appreciated by the different ethnic communities in Singapore for its economic and symbolic values. Gold jewellery was often purchased as a form of investment, or to commemorate important milestones such as weddings and birthdays. Many of the local goldsmiths could be found along North and South Bridge Roads. The metal containers used to hold the gold pieces purchased by their customers also served as advertisements for their shops.