'Gum Saan,' in Nepali means "Land of the Golden Mountain". It's a place name, often associated with Nepal, referring to the majestic Himalayas. It also is an informal greeting in Nepali. Gum Saan is the name of a shop in Old Town San Diego that's been in business for over 15 years, that sells oriental goods, antiques, furniture, and gifts most made in China as well as from cooperative families in Katmandu Nepal. I've strolled through Old Town many times and had overlooked this shop thinking it was another sweet shop specializing in chewing gum! Not the case at all!! I was delighted to discover the shop sells a lot of interesting items; some tourist trap stuff, and other stuff may be collectible treasures. Enjoyed reading the notes for specific items, citing the item's origins, it's use and benefits. The shop only had a cashier who was pleasant but had a language barrier issue, it was difficult to understand or decipher what she was saying... I offered to speak Spanish and French but neither helped the communication. I think if I spoke Hindi/Indian it might have helped. I had questions about the shop, some of the products but the store's website was more helpful. Most of the items sold in shops in Old Town are from Mexico, which is good. But it was nice to see shops selling goods representing other countries and cultures just like its population of San Diego. For reference, this shop is steps away from the free public parking lot that's across the street from Urban Market good hall. A worthwhile visit. Recommend read more

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This isn't the type of store I expected to see in the very Hispanic San Diego Old Town, but I don't turn down an opportunity to stock up on some zen. From outside, you can smell the incense and feel the energy, which drew me in. Inside, you'll find the usual-stones, jewelry, Buddha statues and sound bowls. I always like to browse these things, even if they are not items that I want to purchase myself. If you're in the area and need a gift or something that you just can't find in the other stores, give this a try. You're guaranteed to find something different. read more

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Gum Saan is such an amazing store. It's located in Old Town San Diego. From the moment I entered for the first time I was intrigued by all the beautiful jewelry, crystals, sound bowls, etc. it's a small store, but you can spend hours in here. Trust me you will not leave without buying something. I purchased a beautiful crystal set and a few Tourmaline necklaces for myself and for a gift. The store is very organized and displayed well and has so many unique products with such great prices. The service was great as well. That day I purchased the crystal set it was missing the cleaning instructions. The next day I called up and they mailed me a whole new set at no cost, and I had it within a few days. Now that's great customer service. Just went back recently with my girls and we bought some more stuff. I wish I would have taken more pictures inside. Next time! Wish we had a Gum Saan in Vegas! read more

Gum Saan - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

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Gum Saan has tibetan and Buddhist gifts ..nice to browse and positive presence ...got Buddhist prayer flags ..nice shop at old town

The store is very organized and displayed well. You can truly appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of those handmade Arts. Great conversation with Casey (the owner). very knowledgeable, informative and shared his incredible travel experience to Asia. Passionate and cares so much about items he carries in the shop. Will definitely come back again and purchase more items from him. read more

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I LOVE visiting this shop! They have lots of wonderful items that are fairly priced. I stopped by looking for a particular statue and asked Adina lots of questions. She was not only very helpful, but so very kind as well. Love, love, love this store! read more

I love the set up of this store and all that it carries. The gentleman was so helpful! I would definitely come back! Love the items I purchased. read more

Rudest customer service in the entire park. I said hello to the young woman working there, and she just walked right by me and said nothing. More tourists walked in, and she didn't acknowledge a single soul. read more

Loved the store as it had such a calming feeling with all the incense . The associate was so kind and friendly . She understood what I was looking for and helped me find exactly what I wanted . She gave me some good guidance too . They have a lovely selection of items and they look authentic and give value for money . read more

This is must go to store for different level of spiritual tools. It is my go to from Florida Water, to potent Tibetan Sound Bowls that I use for sacred sound journeys - and everything in-between. I purchased a Ganesh there that is one of my most treasure possessions. I personally know the owner and he is a man of integrity who really knows his stuff. Casey also leads very healing Sound Journeys that I have personally have had the privilege to experience. read more

Gum Saan - Tibetan Sound Bowls - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

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5 stars for energy, product and customer service. Amazing selection of high quality import products. Fom singing bowls to chakra to Buddha to incense they have it all and care about the quality and integrity of their product. Highly recommend checking them out from tourists to natives. read more

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This owner is super nice and is a philanthropist as well. His merchandise is good quality and the prices are very reasonable read more

Gum Saan - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

Love love love this store!!! Friendly staff. Good prices. Check out the jewelry in the case or the singing bowls!!!

The first time I visited this store was a couple of years ago and I was really impressed by the unique merchandise they have. From meditation kits to Mala's, Buddhist statues, incense, and a lot more. I had purchased a jade and carnelian stone bracelet but have now seemed to misplace it and thought I would be able to pick up another. When I walked in this morning, I was lucky enough to meet the owner Casey Dugan. I asked him about my bracelet and he explained that unfortunately because the bracelets are handmade that when they are gone, that is it. I was ok and managed to find two other empowering bracelets along with a new meditation stone. Casey also offers the Himalayan Sing Bowl Healing. This alternative healing helps one relieve stress, anxiety, and pulls out any negative energy along with energizing your chakras. I didn't have time for a full healing and Casey was booked but he did take the time to give me a short treatment. I was so appreciative and I felt so much better. This is a really cool store off the beaten path in Old Town San Diego. I will be back in the future for a complete singing bowl healing and I encourage you to check this place out while in the area. read more

Gum Saan - Tibetan Turquoise and Rudraksha Seed bracelets - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

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Met the owner and got amazing service, attention and recommendations. In our conversation he even recommended a book I'm going to purchase and read. He has an abundance of knowledge of his products, their history and the energy in the items as well as picking up the energy of the shopper. I enjoyed this store, the various options and the amazing prices! I'm super stoked about being able to shop from NM since they have a website read more

Gum Saan - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

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Bought something from here and saw the same thing in the pottery store for about 4 dollars less. The company that owns this store also owns the gem store across the way. They are Asian Tranquility but also New Age crystals. The man behind the counter and the girl could care less that we were in there. read more

Walking in, you immediately feel peace. The gal who was working didn't rush me and I loved how I was able to take my time looking at everything in the store. I noticed she was very helpful when other customers had questions. I browsed around for about 15 minutes or so before checking out. I picked out 6 beautifully crafted bracelets and am very satisfied with my purchase. If you're in Old Town, I highly recommend stoping in here. read more

Gum Saan - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

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Incense, sages, singing bowls oh my!!!! The collection they have on incenses, sage and singing bowls is just fantastic they have very small singing bowls to gigantic ones with great prices. They have a few different crystal options, bracelets that have different meanings, charging slates for your crystals and so much more. read more

Gum Saan - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

Of all the little shops we stopped to browse at in Old Town San Diego, this one has gotta take the cake in being the funniest and cheesiest of all. Gum Saan means "Gold Mountain" in Cantonese, a euphemism for San Francisco which was known way back then as Gold Mountain. It's still a phrase used today in Asia for my beloved city. Anyway, this store sells Asian themed things from pottery to jewelry to artwork and more. When I entered the store I had expected to see some Asian lady all dressed up in her Asian outfit minding the store. Instead, there was this blond guy in there sitting behind the counter fanning himself. Dear Lord, I was cracking up so hard I had to run out of the store. Only in America! read more

Gum Saan - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

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I'm just confused, there are various "asian" trinkets here but everyone who worked here was very white and the person "blessing" items was also very white. If this isn't appropriation at its finest then iono what is. Can someone please explain this ridiculousness. read more

My friend and I LOVE this store!! They're entire store is AMAZING!! The owner goes to Tibet himself to pick out the items he sells in his store. I have an entire set of signing bowls that are all over a hundred years old from here and they are strong and powerful! Also I recommend any spiritual healer get a Phurba. They are amazing energetic tools and they're energies are strong and unstoppable, at least from here! This is also a must for visiting Old Town! Also the customer service is on point! Everyone who works here is always nice and knowledgeable. read more

Gum Saan - Heart Chakra Singing Bowl, Knot of Eternity Necklace, and Phurba. - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

They have extraordinary singing bowls but the employee could care less. If your not knowledgeable you won't get help. He wasn't going to include the mallet till I asked. I later realized the pillow the bowl was sitting on was suppose to come with the bowl. Why wouldn't he include that? It comes with? Why have an extra pillow in the store? I had said I waited 3 years and took a 4 hr plane ride. Shame , this was just mean read more

One of the best stores I've found for some of my Tibetan and Nepalese items I used as part of my spiritual practice. The bracelet area is out of this world, and there is a great selection of incense and statues to choose from. Love this place so much! read more

Beautiful little shop, very polite shop owner. Amazing and vast inventory with very fair prices.

Amazing place me and my GF shop there ALL the time highly recommend! Great deals on everything! read more

Gum Saan - Bracelets ! - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

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I looove this place. They have awesome things at great prices. And the guy who works there helps design (or does design) some of the jewelry they have. He is very knowledgeable and very very nice. Great service! Definitely my new favorite spot. read more

Gum Saan - Protection bracelets and abundance bracelet... ask him to explain the abundance bracelet, Very cool!!. Great price! - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

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I always drop in when I am in San Diego...over the years I've purchased a few trinkets but recently I bought a beautiful Tibetan Singing Bowl from the proprietor, Casey, who was very engaging and helped me choose the bowl for me. I was attracted to one in particular and now it sits on my shelf. Gum Saan is an especially magical place when you let yourself be immersed in the energy. Thanks Casey! read more

Wow. This shop!! I was walking by and almost did not go in. The time That I spent in this shop made my day. The energy is calming and positive. Exactly what I needed after a crazy vacation. I ended up leaving with various jewelry and a Tibetan singing bowl, which I've always wanted, and this one seemed to just call to me. I just can't say enough about how wonderful the store is. It was my last stop before heading to the airport to fly home after a long vacation. I wish I would've had more time to spend in the shop. And the owner, Casey, was so kind and gracious, explaining to us that each of the bracelets and earrings that I purchased were each made by hand by women in Tibet. He explained that they are paid by the piece, not by hourly wages, so it really makes a difference in their lives. It made my heart even happier. And what even makes my heart even happier is that he let me know that he will ship anywhere. I will definitely be in contact. Now that I know a little bit more about the Tibetan singing bowls, I know that I need more than one, since the vibrations that are sent out into the universe are all different. So amazing. Thank you so much, Casey. read more

I came here because I was looking for a singing bowl and in doing my research I wanted a chakra c for my daughters anxiety. The lady working here gave us time to browse and when I didn't seem to be finding what I was looking for came over and looked for me. She looked in a hidden cabinet and found exactly what I was looking for. The price was about the same as the internet and you can't guarantee online it is from Nepal. The owner of the store goes to Nepal twice a year. There was a good selection, I went to two different stores before this and one store only had two bowls total and the second only had about 5. This store had more then 30. The sound is beautiful and not runny or hollow. The bowls are simple but shiny and handmade. I also bought a bracelet to exude joy and it was much cheaper then the bracelets next door. The staff was very helpful. Very cute little store with a god selection and a pleasurable experience. read more

It was hard to walk out without buying something. I will be coming back soon. I bought a little resin statue in dark blue that I instantly fell in love with. read more

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It's always a pleasure shopping here, Casey the owner is super kind, knowledgeable of everything in his shop, his traveling stories are great! And his tattoo work is amazing! If your ever in the area it's a must. read more

I have been seeking for a jade bracelet for a while. Someone recommended I could find something as I have been looking online and some similar stores for a while with no luck. Came in and found some cool looking bracelets. The ones they had on inventory were a bit tight but since they did expand I was willing to consider it. The guy behind he counter recommended I get a customer made one. I automatically asked if i would be extra and he said no. As the store was busy yet the attendant offer to fix it for me. He added a couple of other cool looking beats that made the bracelet stand out even more, I left the store definetely satisfied with my purchase. read more

Gum Saan - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

The highest quality and unique pieces in all of San Diego! Nobody beats them for authenticity and affordability. They have pieces you will not find anywhere else! They have detailed descriptions next to all their available crystals and jewelry, and let you take a small card home with your purchase so you can fine tune your healing for yourself. The staff is incredibly helpful, professional and friendly! Highly recommend read more

Hidden gem. Casey, the owner, is so delightful to be around and his knowledge is top notch. This store has something for everyone. Casey keeps it immaculately clean, the prices are reasonable, the quality of goods is outstanding. This place is a must visit for locals and tourists alike. You will not be disappointed. read more

It took my a really long time to decide on a signing bowl, I went twice and played SEVERAL if not all the bowls. The girl at the counter was super sweet, let me played them without rushing me and also provided information regarding the metals and what chakras the bowls are connected to. Thanks! read more

My favorite store in the world. I wear something from here almost every day and have been doing so for years! Casey is so friendly, knowledgeable and genuine. I can ask about anything in there and he'll give a detailed background. There's no other place I've seen with more unique pieces that are amazing, long lasting quality. I've been going in here since I was 15 and I'm 23 now, it's a special experience every time. read more

It's disappointing to see other reviewers give bad ratings because the store is "weird to find in Old Town." Especially the girl who was excited because she she was looking forward to eating Chinese food? Seems hypocritical. The store has amazing imported products from Asia. I brought my mom here, and though we were raised Buddhist, we aren't the most actively practiced, so we admired everything with a natural curiosity. My mom really enjoyed browsing the pendants and I loved the singing bowls. We asked a lot of questions to the male clerk who started off nice but eventually his tone came off as impatient and rude. My mom isn't the best at speaking English, so she tends to need repeating, which I guess annoyed the clerk. What surprised me most about the store wasn't the fact that it was in the middle of Old Town, but it was the snappy rude guy working in a store that revolved around cultures and religions of peace and mindfulness. read more

You certainly wouldn't expect to come across a Chinese gift shop in San Diego's Latin-infused Old Town shopping district, but that is exactly what happened to me when I went into to Gum Saan. The shop stands out amongst the other boutique stores in Old Town, but I really didn't find anything of value when I browsed through the store. Gum Saan is like a Chinese-themed Hallmark, there are a lot of useless decorations here that look cheap and in-authentic. read more

I am so glad I stumbled upon this gem! I looked up where to get candle wicks and that led me next door to Toby's....but on my way out this little adorable shop called out to me. Glad it did! I got some great stuff there. When I went up to buy it, the clerk offered to cleanse my purchases so I let him, then he offered to do a quick cleansing on me. He had me stand in a specific way and used a specific Tibetan singing bowl that he likes the best. Wow. Sal, that was so awesome for such a short experience, I mean that in the best way possible. The vibrations in my body felt incredible and my whole attitude for the day improved just from this visit. Thanks again! read more

Gum Saan - Dorje crystal and two bracelets! - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California

When I saw the name, I thought "FINALLY, some Chinese food" but it wasn't. I was a bit disappointed when I found out they sold antiques and whatnot. It was really odd seeing this in Old Town. read more

Gum Saan - Antiques Near Me - San Diego, California