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    The Gold Bug

    3.8 (87 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Christina J.

    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!

    Metallic Blue Butterfly

    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.

    Nicho S.

    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.

    Jennie K.

    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.

    Lisa S.

    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!

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    8 years ago

    Helpful 14
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    Love this 5
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    7 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 3
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    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
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    8 years ago

    I love this store. I can be here for hours admiring every little detail. Super helpful and informative employees.

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Gold Bug

    Review Highlights - The Gold Bug

    Theodora has shipped all over the world for us, and I recently bought an octopus lamp for a friend in Canada.

    Mentioned in 18 reviews

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    I discovered Homage during a walking tour of Pasadena, and I'm so glad I did! The store may be…read moresmall, but it's packed with amazing finds. The jewelry is handcrafted, and many pieces include the artist's name and a short bio, which adds such a personal touch. They also carry candles, bags, greeting cards, and products for men, women, and children. The variety is impressive, and I especially appreciated the large selection of handcrafted items. The associates are friendly, welcoming, and genuine. I was greeted as soon as I walked in, and I noticed they recognized and acknowledged repeat customers. That's impressive, especially considering the number of tourists who visit the store. Another thing I appreciated is that they don't overwhelm you with emails. Their emails are event-focused and purposeful, which is refreshing. You're paying for quality, craftsmanship, and unique items you won't find just anywhere. The prices reflect the specialty merchandise they carry and the care that goes into selecting it. Parking... well, it's Pasadena! It can be challenging, with mostly metered street parking and paid parking garages nearby, but it's a pleasant walk to the store. I highly recommend Homage! It's a wonderful place to find unique gifts or treat yourself to something special.

    A cute little gift shop located in Old Town Pasadena, perfect for stopping by after eating at…read moreRussell's. It's filled with so many adorable items and fun little finds. The staff was very friendly, and the whole experience had a relaxed, welcoming feel!

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    Unique cards for any occasion
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    Ten Thousand Villages

    Ten Thousand Villages

    4.6
    (89 reviews)
    1.2 mi
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    I really loved this store! Stumbled upon it while waiting for my Uber driver. It's so peaceful…read moreinside and they have so many amazing options to choose from. It's a 100% fair trade shop which made me love it even more. I purchased a beautiful purple wind chime and a cute greeting card for my husband. There was a mishap on the card (another card was stuck behind it - same exact card but I didn't need 2, just 1)! The cashier and I both didn't notice when I was inside the shop. She wrapped up my wind chime and bagged the card (now discovered to be two). When I got home, I phoned them right away when I saw the other card was stuck to it! I explained what happened and asked to pay for the mishap! Gigi was extremely helpful in figuring out how I could do so and thanked me for my honesty. I'm just glad we could sort it out! So just be aware if you pick up a greeting card to check another card isn't stuck to it! The pricing of items: very fair! presentation of the overall store: very good! customer service: great! I definitely suggest stopping by here.

    Ten Thousand Villages is a fair-trade shop that carries merchandise from at least thirty-eight…read morecountries. It is woman-owned and displayed the LBGTQ+ Pride Flag in its window. Here you can find a wide variety of hand-crafted goods. And there is quite a myriad of objects on display. There are a large number of hand-woven bags, rugs and tapestries for use or display (or both). One wall is almost entirely devoted to jewelry. And there's a very large collection of pottery, including bowls, dishes and coffee mugs. This place is an excellent place to shop for those who are intrigued by foreign cultures. And the prices are extremely reasonable. And besides for being reasonable, you can find nice pieces in the under ten dollar range, well into the one hundred and fifty or more. There really is something for any budget. I was greeted when I entered the store and asked if I needed help...but was not asked every five minutes (something that I see as a major plus). Check out was a breeze with the clerk on duty. I will definitely come again.

    Photos
    The cards can get stuck together so just make sure when you grab a greeting card you're only grabbing one!
    The cards can get stuck together so just make sure when you grab a greeting card you're only grabbing one!
    Front
    Front
    Measuring tape

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    Measuring tape
    Salutations Home

    Salutations Home

    3.9
    (18 reviews)
    1.3 mi
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    Salutations Home is a rather upscale and upmarket gift shop with a diverse selection of merchandise…read morefor sale. Firstly, Salutations Home is off Lake Avenue, where the bulk of shops are. So it is very easy to miss. You have to turn onto Granite to get there. Luckily there was ample parking. When I first entered I was greeted, first by one of the clerks and secondly by a lovely, but difficult to describe, floral fragrance. Very beautiful, though. When I asked about it I was told it was basically a mixtures of fragrances from the candles, perfumes and other scented products. Regardless, it smelled very luxurious. And luxury abounded! Everything here is very well made and really says "understated wealth." They have a nice collection of children's toys and gifts, home wares, an enormous collection of candles and fragrances (as already mentioned), jewelry and a large collection of cards. All the ladies that worked there were kind, personable and helpful. And while I wasn't actively searching for a gift today, it is definitely a place I would return to the next time I am.

    Salutations Home is a metaphor for old Pasadena. It is cozily tucked away on a side street off…read moreLake Avenue, (across from the old Chronicle Restaurant if you go way back). Similar to The city of Pasadena in relationship to L. A., in need not be boastful of it's subdued elegance. It's very YKIYK. And like Pasadena, there's something for every budget and age range. The decor is thoughtfully curated as one could imagine visiting an eccentric aunt that has spent a life collecting items that delight the senses, be it sight, scent, taste or touch. It's a tactile experience picking up items for closer inspection, the jewelry, linens, and candles entice customers to indulge. If that wasn't enough of a motivator, the complimentary signature gift wrap makes every purchase special. And it's bow wow friendly, I noticed a few well behaved cherished canines in tow during my shopping experience.

    Photos
    Room Diffuser $70+
    Room Diffuser $70+
    Home for the holidays
    Home for the holidays
    Curated seasonal decor

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    Curated seasonal decor

    The Gold Bug - jewelry - Updated August 2026

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