TL;DR
Founded in 1932 in Chinatown, Poh Seng Jewellers has grown across three generations from a humble jade stall to a full-service jeweller blending tradition with modern design. The family business stays relevant by evolving its offerings while honouring the values its founder instilled.
Founded in the 1930s by a humble goldsmith, this family-run jewellery store has passed through three generations — each one shaping the business for its time while honouring the values that started it all.
In 1932, Tan Seng Toh sold imperial green jade bangles and pendants to passers-by in Chinatown. Today, his grandson, 66-year-old Mr Anthony Tan, Managing Director of Poh Seng Jewellers, takes custom requests from young couples designing one-of-a-kind engagement rings.
Three generations and a location shift later, they remain united by the same tools, transparency and trust — three things Poh Seng Jewellers hold close to heart.
Chinatown's Heartbeat
Long before they settled in their current Chinatown outlet, Poh Seng stood on South Bridge Road — just down the street from where Singapore's very first National Day Parade took place in 1966.
"Last time, we were along South Bridge Road — where Muhammad Ali Lane is now," said Mr Tan.
Streets and shopfronts may change, but Poh Seng's compass still points north to dependable craft, honesty and care.
"If there's something we can do, we definitely will. But if it's not so good, we'll tell the customer—even if it's not in our favour," said Mr Darren Then, 30, Associate Director at Poh Seng Jewellers. "It's about trust and transparency."
That trust is backed by their CaseTrust accreditation, which recognises fair business practices in Singapore's retail scene.
Over time, customers have become more like family. "Some customers (have been with us for) very long," said Mr Tan. "Since their parents — now the children all come and buy from us. It spans over many generations."
Old Roots, New Reach
While their physical roots remain planted in Chinatown, Poh Seng's vision spans far beyond.
"Some things we design ourselves, others we bring in from Italy, Hong Kong or Japan," said Mr Tan. "Each country has its own design taste — we want our collections to feel different, so everyone can find something they love."
One such line is Cerca Trova, a curated selection of jewellery imported from European partners. Featuring sleek, contemporary silhouettes, the collection offers a contrast to their "old but gold" classics.
It's a quiet showcase of how Poh Seng stays relevant — by keeping one eye on tradition and the other on what's next.
"We used to only sell jade," Mr Then recalled. "But we couldn't keep doing the same thing. Demand changed, so we moved into gold, gemstones, even white gold."
New Tools, Same Old Magic
Today, Poh Seng offers made-to-order pieces for all ages. Their team uses 3D rendering software for modern designs, while still honouring the traditional techniques that built their name — pulling gold wire by hand while using the same methods from three generations ago.
"We cannot always stay the same," said Mr Then. "We have to come up with new designs so people will see that our company is moving, not stagnant."
That includes expanding their audience. "We're not just looking at the elderly — the youngsters also," Mr Tan added. Whether it's jade bangles for nostalgic buyers or European-influenced lines for modern tastes, Poh Seng aims to offer something for everyone.
Poh Seng's evolution isn't just about keeping up — it's about staying meaningful to every generation that walks through their doors. Their story isn't just about jewellery, but legacy: of craft, of care, and of the belief that heritage doesn't need to stay in the past to stay relevant.
Until then, the family behind Poh Seng will keep doing what they've always done — with steady hands, open hearts and that flame of passion that'll never dwindle.
"Maybe one day my son will take over," Mr Tan laughed. "If he's interested."
This article was written by students from Republic Polytechnic's Diploma in Mass Communication.
