Human stories behind heirlooms

Jewellery collector Norman Cho's book, The Bejewelled Lives Of The Peranakans, seeks to capture the emotions of crafted works more than the blinding bling

Ms Chris Loh, designer of the new book on heritage jewellery titled The Bejewelled Lives Of The Peranakans, with Baba collector Norman Cho and his jewellery collection. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
The Bejewelled Lives Of The Peranakans. The hardcover version (left) sells for $188, while the softcover (right) costs $88. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Chantal Sajan
Senior Correspondent
Updated
Oct 02, 2020, 06:44 AM
Published
Oct 02, 2020, 05:00 AM
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Mr Norman Cho vividly remembers his grandmother laying out her Peranakan jewellery on the bed before attending family functions and asking her grandson to pick out pieces to go with her outfit.

There were glitzy pieces of kerosang rantay (Malay for brooches strung to a chain), loket (pendants), chinchin wajek (diamond-shaped rings) and an assortment of gold and silver belts with ornate, detachable buckles.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 02, 2020, with the headline Human stories behind heirlooms. Subscribe

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