I still love this store with all my heart but I would like to make sure to specify that I would only care to go and be helped by the lovely lady with red hair who I think goes by Theodora. She goes above and beyond from my first time in the store til now. She gets five stars and we spend a few hundred dollars whenever we're there. I have read things about the older owners and luckily have not had any one on one run ins to experience. However, the older woman walked straight up to my brother asked my brother if he was in "the right place?". To think that someone surrounded by art and culture should ask such a small minded rude question is beyond me. My brother respectfully and quietly took his money down a few doors and spent his couple hundred dollars somewhere else. I was so excited to share a magical place only to be embarrassed by my recommendation. The older woman is the reason I lowered my rating. read more

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Cool boutique store that I imagine is like a Gothic rockstar vibe. Silver and gold jewelry, that have a handmade look to them. Insects made of beads and embroidery. It's like a mini museum of oddities and shiny things. Parking is street or one of the cities garages and you walk a bit. read more

I really loved this store. So much variety and unique gems to be found inside. I will admit the price point is pretty high, so not a place for the casual shopper. However, if you fancy something a bit unique or "odd", you may find what you're looking for here. read more

What absolutely lovely things. Whether you're thinking a full "remodel" or just want something amazing and unique to update a room, you'll find it here. Also a fantastic place to find gifts - guarantee you'll find something beautiful. Stop in, take a deep breath (it smells incredible here), and plan to spend some time being wowed. Don't miss this one of a kind shop. read more

Delightful oddities, fountain pens, jewelry and stationary; of quality you are not likely to find elsewhere. Come for the views, stay for the warm and engaging conversations with Theodora; she's the best! read more

I love this store and I love the family - they made my day with their kindness. Amazing service, awesome selection , so cool to see so many types of different elegant oddity art and it feels like you're just walking into your home there. Love it. read more

Lovely selection of items and unique finds. A Little on the pricey side but quality is there. Friendly staff

The owner waa extremely rude to me .I went in there to browse & noticed some perfumes with cool sounding names. I sprayed quite a few in the air, because I didn't notice the papers on the shelf where other perfumes were. He gave me the biggest attitude. He complained or rather scolded me, in front of other patrons, about having to smell the fumes when its perfume he is selling! I mean WTF?? As the owner of the store, he was extremely unprofessional. I do not recommend this place at all. Take your business anywhere but this guy. He doesn't deserve any of your money. I'm visiting family from out of town, and his attitude is the epitome of the obnoxious, snobby LA stereotype. read more

magical store! worth popping in just to see what curation of oddities and treasures they have. have purchased a number of things I'll cherish forever and some funky gifts that people lovvvved. also love the no pictures policy - refreshing read more

The Gold Bug in Pasadena is hands down one of the most unique gift stores you will ever come across. From the moment you step inside, it feels like you've entered a carefully curated world of the unexpected. The selection is hard to put into words. It leans slightly Gothic, a little mysterious, but always thoughtful. Every item feels like it was chosen with intention. Whether you are looking for something quirky, moody, or quietly beautiful, this place has it. If you want to give a gift that truly stands out or just find something that speaks to your inner weirdo in the best way, The Gold Bug is the place. It is one of those rare shops where you want to pick up everything just to see what it's all about. read more

As much as I enjoy writing reviews, I was a little intimidated to write this one. There was so much to take in. The store truly curated items for the senses, from perfumes and pens to jewelry, home decor, and unique greeting cards. I am generally a casual browser. I spoke with Theodora one morning, and she was engaging and knowledgeable about the artists behind a few of my favorite items. The artistry and sophistication of the unique items were evident. I didn't see anything with the mass-produced "Made in China" stamp. Honestly, I think if Johnny Depp opened a store, it might resemble this one, complete with a buzzer for appointments only. But this store is open to the public. I am looking forward to the trunk show on Friday, September 13th! read more

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I have purchased many items at Gold Bug over the years and have followed them across their different locations in old town. They have very unique items and art pieces. For years, it has been one of my favorite stores. I visited the store recently and took a photo inside the store. I was in a hurry and I wanted to evaluate how an item would look in my home. The store manager scolded me for taking a photo and escorted me out of the store. That was a first for me. His explanation was that he sometimes gets too many people taking photos in the store. This was a lame excuse as the store was almost empty. People take photos of things they love... things they want to remember... things that inspire them. I felt he was very misguided for wanting to squelch that. Had he been kind, instead of swooping onto me like the photo police, he may have made a sale that day. I had been working in the garden earlier that day (and looked the part) so perhaps he sized me up as trashy riff-raff looking to capture free images...yet too poor to buy anything. Sadly, I'll be forced to spend my money elsewhere from now on. On the upside, it would never have occurred to me to look elsewhere for similar items. I was dedicated to Gold Bug for unique gifts. Gold Bug, after all, was one of my favorite stores. Even the packaging was inspiring... always adorned with a black feather. To my surprise, I've since found far less expensive butterfly artwork online as one example of my shopping options expanding. I have come to be thankful for the poor treatment. It's going to save me a lot of money. read more

I'm so glad I wandered into The Gold Bug. This is such a unique store, with the most friendly staff. It's so well curated you just know there's no other place like it. Everywhere you looked there was something beautiful and unusual. What was especially nice was how excited the owner and her staff were about the pieces and how open they both were to questions and/or just appreciating the beauty with me. I purchased the most beautiful mounted butterfly and I know I'll never visit Pasadena again without a visit to this one of a kind shop. read more

The Gold Bug - Metallic Blue Butterfly - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California

Incredible service and goods! Truly. I was in a pickle and she sorted me right out. I live my purchases-- I got unique gifts for someone special. Highly recommend, especially if you want something different and cool! read more

The Gold Bug is the type of store for people that are interested in natural history and the arts; that which is intriguing, bizarre, beautiful and strange. It is a veritable curiosity cabinet of sculpture, jewelry, housewares and cards. For the zoology fans there is a gorgeous collection of taxidermist-prepared animals: mammals, insects and birds. Alongside these are a collection of cards featuring nearly every phyla of the animal kingdom. For the geologist: minerals in various forms, from the wearable to the decorative are on display. Various art, with a definite focus on the natural world, Victoriana and the Gothic can be found. Over the years, I have purchased Santos-style crowns for my statues of Freyr and Thor, osteological jewelry and high-quality leather gloves. Additionally, I am always finding beautiful cards: half of which I send to my closest friends, and half of which I end up matting and hanging up as wall art. In terms of prices, I've always been able to find a lovely gift for around twenty dollars. Obviously, original pieces or sculpture and prints are going to be more expensive: making art is hard work. While my first thought about this place is that it's a bit like a cabinet of curiosity, maybe a better comparison is this: have you been to the Smithsonian or the Natural History Museum and ended your trip in the gift shop? Imagine the whole museum is a gift shop! That's Gold Bug. With that said, like a museum, much of the merchandise is very fragile and easily damaged. If a sign says don't touch something: don't touch it. This is absolutely NOT a place to allow children (or pets) to run rampant. The purveyors will be happy to help you if you ask them. read more

The Gold Bug perfectly describes this business. They offer unique items and it feels like you walked into a sci-fi fantasy movie. Yes they are pricey, but if you can afford it, why not! The Gold Bug is also located in a great area and the lady working the counter was also friendly. read more

The Gold Bug - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I've been wanting to get my youngest kid, an art director and stylist, to come to this shop ( and, yes, visit me in Pasadena in the process... ) But the idea of her visiting this store is dead. The oldish man working here ( owner? ) was so weirdly vicious and brooding, so bizarrely passive/aggressive and pointed to me that my friend and I left the store wondering what had just taken place ( even after a purchase ). WHY his bummer buzz kill??? My very friendly pal said, "maybe he's just insane". A few days later I read Yelp to get a clue why I had HATED the experience of shopping here ( even though the wonderful Theodora works here and is lovely ), and read he's mad when people take pictures of the artists' work in the shop. I HAD taken photos, hoping to lure my art director daughter, and so she could show the directors she works with why it's worth the drive. I am an artist myself, who's had to litigate to get 20 years of my work's income being ripped off by producers So I am one of the last people to rip off this store's artists, or this A-hole. ARTISTS BEWARE- your work for sale here, may get overlooked because this guy is not reliable to recommend to an art director/director, as he was already too difficult just to peruse the items. Irony- my kid won't even look at the photos I took of everyone's work, because she's so appalled by this guy's "mean girl" horrible treatment of her mom. read more

What an interesting store. I wanted to buy everything. There's so much to see. So May cool oddities. Definitely a spot to check out if I in Pasadena. I think we spent over an hour in here. The shop owner was sweet and tentative. It's not right off the street its located in an alley like area. The parking in Pasadena isn't great it's best to park in a parking structure but if you can find street parking go for it. Be mindful of the meters, they're pretty on point about them. read more

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This is such a fun store. Range of prices varies, so there's something for everyone. They have very cool jewelry and art, oddities and beyond. The staff is always friendly and helpful! read more

The Gold Bug - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California

Goldbug has moved once again! Now they are nestled in a spacious space on Holly st. Theodora is very accommodating, as I was getting a gift for a close friend of mine, mentioned that if they didn't love it, I could come back and recifty it, no questions asked! Turned out though, they loved it, so no issues there. If I'm in the area, this place is a must! It is a cabinet of curiosities, filled with art, sculpture, crafts, lighting, tarot cards, taxidermy, and the like! Hope they stay in thier location for many years to come! Alot of complaints come from the customer service, which I totally understand, but as I know it, the owner's daughter has become the mainstay in the shop, and she's always a delight. If you had a bad experience with this shop, please try this gem out again, I'm sure it won't disappoint. There is plenty to eat on Holly st. Union st. and Colorado Blvd as well as metered street parking and large parking structures on Union, Fair Oaks and Green St. read more

This will certainly be the most interesting and unusual shop most people will ever have the pleasure of visiting. With a wide variety of things, such as insects in domes, unusual greeting cards, one-of-a-kind jewelry, unique art works, and a whole lot more, this beautifully curated shop will easily have you lusting after each item. This is part natural history store, part Goth, part art. I really liked the little blue beetles, but what to do with them? If they were encased in resin, as a pin or a pendent, they might be more salable. This is certainly a destination store, not to be missed. I've looked over some of the other reviews, and I would recommend visiting when the owner Theodora is working, as she is just lovely, generous with her time, and has an interesting history. read more

I love the Goldbug. It's my favorite place to shop. Theodora is the best. She has so many things I cannot find anywhere else. I love her inviting attitude and kind personality. I could spend 4 million dollars in a second at this stunning store. I am a designer, and if i had a brick and mortar, this is what it would look like. I look forward to the Goldbug every time I visit Old Town Pasadena. read more

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Repeating my review of The Gold Bug. For some reason my previous review has become invisible? I give The Gold Bug two stars because they have some fascinating oddities to look at and purchase. Though after my personal experience with customer service I wouldn't purchase a single toothpick from them. I was attempting to purchase some unisex parfume and a bottle of flavored toothpicks, roughly $160 at the time. But I canceled my purchase because the deplorable way I was treated and witnessed others being treated while I was in the store. The store is an experience for sure! I personally will never be a customer, unless the store has a new owner or management that is willing to treat customers with respect and consideration. read more

Amazing artist, family owned. Lovely place if you are interested in unique artwork by local artists.

I can go on and on, on and on...and again, on and on about how cool this place is! I don't live in Pasadena, or even Los Angeles, but I make sure to stop by every time I am in Southern California. I can say without hesitation that you would be hard-pressed to find a store as unique, diverse, and cool as Gold Bug. It is the perfect stop for incredibly unique gifts and in my case, incredibly cool collectibles. One can easily spend a few hours taking in all the unique pieces that Theodora sells. She has the eye of a fine gallerist and the depth of a great collector. She knows cool and unique when she sees it. I have traveled across the US for many years for work and I have yet to find a store as cool as Gold Bug. If you are in the market for a special gift that the recipient won't soon forget...there is no better destination than Gold Bug, truly. By all means, carve out some time to visit, take your time in there, explore and indulge in the beautiful little treasures that she has curated! read more

Wow, this store is a great find! It's a mystical vibe and offers one of a kind finds. Theodora, who I later found out was the owner greeted us instantly and was truly a delight to meet and chat with. I will be back and I definitely recommend visiting! FYI, the location is absolutely perfect to plan an afternoon walking around to shop and enjoy a meal. read more

This is such a gem of an extraordinary store in Pasadena. My daughter and I have been frequenting this store for years now. We always leave with some unique treasure! We also get filled up by the absolutely beautiful shop owner Theodora! She is such a delight to talk to, and a plethora of knowledge. What I love the most about this store is that, they support independent and exquisite artists. Check them out! You'll leave there wanting to return! I absolutely love the perfume I purchased from here today, and a unique beautiful necklace for my daughter... a Christmas gift. read more

The Gold Bug - Perfume - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California

Don't be afraid to step into this store if you're worried about previous reviews of bad service. Definitely no longer the case here, I saw the reviews previously and was also hesitant. But I'm glad I came in, the lady and gentleman who were there were nothing but kind and gracious! They have so many unique findings that you simply can't find anywhere else. Great for unique gifts or interesting home decor. I personally bought a little sound box that makes bird chirping sounds. Definitely a delightful store and I will be back! read more

I absolutely love this store. I have bought a ring, decorations, cards, and more from here over the past 10+ years. It used to be located in two other spots but moved for various reasons. The current space is probably the best it has looked so far. What they offer is unique, varied, and imaginative. Pretty much everything they have would be awesome as a gift or conversation piece for your home. Some people probably won't like the taxidermy, but if you're okay with that, I'm sure you'll find something of interest. The lady who often works here is great and very helpful, too. There really aren't many stores like this anywhere. It should be celebrated! read more

I've been coming to Gold Bug on and off for four years - there is no where like it in LA. Glorious cabinet of curiosities and quality gothic and whimsical taxidermy art. Theodora is genuine and passionate patron of local artists.. read more

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This is an awesome shop for those that are seeking the odd, unique, strange and bizarre. The shop is obviously curated by people that have a real eye for finding unique items that you will not see in most other shops. Imagine if Robert Ripley went shopping in the basement of the Smithsonian. read more

One of my favorite stores to visit here in Pasadena! So many fun oddities to check out and they always have a varied selection of taxidermy. The owners really get to know their regulars and are always happy to start a conversation with you. read more

Beautiful products and styles and artwork. Shop and get out of there without asking any questions seems like their vibe there now. Horrible customer service. Shop people seem a bit racist and cold and short tempered. Keep any comments you have about anything there to yourself, if they feel you're giving too much of your own opinion on anything they kick you out. read more

My biggest regret beside the way I was so poorly treated in this establishment, is not being able to leave a negative 5 star rating for this subpar business. The older male store keeper was incredibly rude, berated me, was unaccommodating, extremely unwelcoming and acted VERY childish to me and other patrons in the store. Artists that have their art represented by the monster should pull their inventory immediately and place it in a friendly venue. Avoid this store like the plague that it is!! read more

The most incredible gift shop... a curio cabinet that Guillermo del Toro would be proud of! Strange and dark and beautiful items you won't find anywhere else. Theodora is so lovely and such a gracious store owner. read more

When Theodora, owner of the Gold Bug, described this gallery of portraits as adding emotion to a room and that the trays could be used for serving as well as art, I said, "I will take three of them!" We are lucky to have a unique store like the Gold Bug that adds style and novelty in old town Pasadena! I am a repeat customer and Gold Bug always meets my aesthetic needs not to mention the excellent customer service! read more

The Gold Bug - Gallery of portraits - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California

Traveled here while checking out the rest of the area . Nice place with higher end art and oddities. Service was nice and enjoyed the experience . I would come again. Close to restaurants and nightlife read more

I have been coming here for decades for one of a kind items. I am not looking for a deal or someone to kiss my behind. This is a very small, family owned business with one of a kind, art. Knowing the owner thinks our government is just as dumb and evil as I do...well, makes me want to spend more! Ha. He moved off into a little alley, off Union, closest to Raymond--not Fair Oaks. read more

The Gold Bug - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California

My favorite store. I always wish I could buy everything in it when I'm here. I've been visiting this place a few times a year since 2011/2012. Inside you will discover beautiful and intriguing pieces, skillfully crafted in both ancient and modern techniques. From near and far there is wall art, apparel, jewelry, stationary, ornamental and meaningful gifts of all kinds, tarot card sets, sketchbooks, candles, perfumes, things I can't even begin to explain - the list is endless and there are always new goodies appearing. Most pieces are very special and one of a kind. Nothing is boring. The beings at work here are just as interesting and special and quite knowledgeable about all the items. Just stop by and you'll see... read more

This place is near my work so I bop in and out a lot to check out their new items. I finally bought something and it did not disappoint! I get so many compliments. & my god, Teddy is so nice. She lets me see things out of the cases even though I'm always just window shopping. A go-to place for one-of-a-kind gifts that you can't get anywhere else. I WANT TO BUY IT ALL read more

The Gold Bug - How I filled & hung my flower vase! - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California