Almost all major civilisations have prized gold over all other precious metals.

Apart from being highly valuable and almost indestructible, it transcends all differences of race and religion. It is a hedge against inflation, an investment, a safe haven, a currency, it goes into the finest jewellery and is accepted almost everywhere in the world. The Swiss National Bank keeps its stock of gold bars well guarded in vaults in the capital, Bern. A look at how this treasure is stored and safeguarded. (Pictures: Keystone)