Why gold still reigns: the timeless appeal of the world's oldest investment

Tatler Asia

5 days ago

Gold in the 21st century: How central banks and individuals still buy in
Despite no longer serving as the foundation of actual money, gold has never lost its lustre. In fact, it's undergoing a renaissance. Today, central banks, especially in Asia, are bolstering their gold reserves to hedge against geopolitical risk. The People's Bank of China and the Reserve Bank of India have steadily increased their holdings, viewing the metal as a buffer against dollar volatility and global instability.
On a more personal level, gold remains deeply embedded in daily life. In India and the Middle East, jewellery is not merely decorative—it's a form of mobile wealth. Families measure security not just in bank accounts, but in bangles and bridal sets that travel across generations and borders. In East Asia, gifting gold during weddings and Lunar New Year celebrations is both a meaningful cultural gesture and a savvy investment move. How to invest in gold in modern times
Above Jewellery, such as these Cartier LOVE rings, can incorporate gold as an intrinsic part of its design (Photo: Nimble Video Productions Sydney via Pexels)
Where does it all go? Beyond the Fort Knoxes of the world, gold is held in private Swiss vaults, Hong Kong safes and, in more humble yet no less meaningful forms, in bedside drawers and family altars.
In Thailand's Yaowarat gold shops, prices blink hourly like exchange rates. In Manila's Chinatown, families buy infant-sized pendants—not for looks, but as a newborn's first investment. In Japan, you can eat your wealth: gold-leaf-covered ice cream is a luxury snack. In South Korea, gold spoons are still gifted on a child's first birthday to signal health, wealth and luck.
See more: Not just for jewellery—24K gold is a gift to your skin
All over the world, here's how people acquire and store this precious metal:
For those who prefer tactile assets, jewellers and watchmakers are offering pieces that combine elegance with purpose. From solid gold timepieces to discreet pendants with QR-code authentication, this new wave of wearable gold serves both as ornament and insurance. In countries such as India, Vietnam and the Philippines, family-run gold shops offer daily price updates and buy-back options, effectively functioning as community banks.
There is an undeniable appeal to the physicality of gold as an asset. In a few locations around China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and Canada, gold ATMs dispense mini-ingots instead of cash. Companies such as Degussa and PAMP Suisse have become trusted names for investors seeking everything from bullion bars to coin collections, offering in-person retail services as well as secure storage options. Switzerland's PAMP Suisse in particular is revered for its finely crafted bars—particularly the iconic Lady Fortuna series—and cutting-edge anti-counterfeiting technology. Both companies cater to discerning investors who value direct control over their assets, and their presence in markets like Singapore and Hong Kong underscores Asia's growing appetite for physical gold. Digital gold and eTFs
Younger, tech-savvy investors in India, Indonesia and South Korea are turning to digital gold—backed by physical reserves but traded via apps. Platforms like Pluang (Indonesia), Paytm Gold and PhonePe Gold (India) allow fractional investments, enabling users to buy gold by the gram. Meanwhile, ETFs such as Nippon India Gold ETF and CSOP Gold Futures ETF in Hong Kong offer exposure to gold prices without the need for physical handling.
In Singapore, private vaulting services like Le Freeport and Silver Bullion offer air-tight security and even insurance options. These aren't just vaults—they're curated vault experiences, often paired with concierge services and wealth advisory. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan and Korea's high net worth individuals often opt for bank-safe deposit boxes, while younger investors might choose crypto-gold hybrids, like blockchain-tracked gold certificates, to keep their gold safe. Why gold endures
Above Gold carries both emotional and empirical value
(Photo: rc.xyz NFT gallery/Unsplash)
What makes gold unique—beyond its atomic number—is its dual nature, offering both emotional and empirical value. It marks time and memory: marriages, empires, market crashes. Gold is stable: it does not explode in value or crash overnight. It endures.
In a world obsessed with speed, gold offers a different kind of promise. It doesn't aim for the moon—it assures that when the moon turns red and markets tremble, you'll still have something solid in your hand. Whether in the form of a coin, a Cartier bracelet or a sealed ounce of bullion, gold remains the grown-up's fallback: timeless, universal and always just a little bit glamorous.