GEORGE TOWN, July 25 -- For fourth-generation goldsmith Raju Murugesan, every piece of jewellery he made was forged by hand, each intricate detail painstakingly carved, a skill that was handed down in his family for generations.

The 65-year-old and his wife operate a goldsmith shop on Queen Street, where he continues the labour-intensive craft despite competition from modern jewellery shops that often sell factory-made pieces.

His great-grandfather was a goldsmith in India before the trade was handed down to his grandfather, parents and eventually to him.

Raju said he learnt the trade from his parents and has been making jewellery by hand ever since.

His wife, M. Thanas, 65, also comes from a family of goldsmiths.

"My father and gran...