I've shopped here twice, and each time was treated well. The woman behind the counter was courteous, answered my questions, and it was a generally pleasant experience. The store has some really interesting stuff, that I've not seen elsewhere. It's worth it to go in and take a look just to see what they have! read more

Coolest shop ever. New shop layout is easier to shop and filled with amazing things. I pretty much wanted everything in the store. Teddy is a lovely person and helped me select many more things then i needed. She was patient, funny and kind. It's a magical mix of natural history museum meets alice in wonderland. read more

Rude over priced shop full of average at best products sold at a premium price. I got the money but I don't have the time for the attitude and rude behavior. read more

The rudest shop in all of Pasadena. Great selection, truly unique items. But the staff is disgustingly rude and stuck up, I'll never go there again. Im a friendly guy. I enjoy making connections with small business owners, because being a creator myself I think it's important to support local Buisness and unique mom and pop shops where you can. I don't feel this way about this shop. They treat potential customers as if they were a nuisance. They judge potential clients based on how they look and seem to guesstimate how much they'll be able to spend, and then treat them accordingly. I was ignored and blown off by the man working the day I checked out this store. It's sad because I was really excited to buy art from this shop. But instead I went to Etsy. I won't give a cent of my money to these douche bags read more

The Gold Bug, located in Old Town Pasadena, is an unique jewelry store showcasing many oddities exemplified by rare jewelry pieces, artworks, and bug collections. The incredibly steep price tags per merchandise item prevent the average shopper from purchasing, besides the occasional splurge or gift shopping for a friend, family member, or special someone. Nonetheless, definitely an intriguing store worth checking out and browsing through. read more

I seriously do not understand these reviews. I (and my family members) have been shopping here at least 5 years- probably longer. The selection of unusual artistically curated items is just beyond beautiful. I want every single item they sell. Home decor, jewelry, wall art, sculptures, lighting, tasteful taxidermy- what else could a girl ask for? Never ever have we had anything but amazing customer service- and interesting conversations with all of the staff. We've bought gifts, and so many killer pieces of jewelry here. Love it. read more

The Gold Bug - Stingray Octopus themed bracelet. Can't take it off. - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California

The opposite of some random gift store. Clearly the owner has a good eye takes great care. A lot of one off items from artisans and artists. read more

One of my favorite stores to visit in Pasadena. Ive been in more than a dozen times. I rate it so low because of the customer service. They are absolutely horrible to anyone and everyone that walks in. I wish they were nicer or more accommodating to people that try and do business with them. Perhaps they have more money than they know what to do with and thats why they treat everyone so badly? A great spot to visit but visit at your own risk; don't touch anything, don't you dare bring your kids with your, don't ask too many questions, no phones, nothing to drink....its crazy. Almost like they want the business to fail. read more

I'm so happy to have discovered this place, it is an absolute gem with so many beautiful art pieces. Theodora was so kind and helpful, I definitely recommend stopping here the next time you are in need of the perfect gift for someone. read more

This is my favorite shop in the Los Angeles area. Every time I go in I'm memorized by every beautiful piece of art. It's also my go-to for unique gifts for every person in my life, and of course I buy a few things for myself. Theodora has shipped all over the world for us, and I recently bought an octopus lamp for a friend in Canada. The curating is impeccable, and I love supporting unusual artists. Thank you Gold Bug! read more

Wanted to buy a special Christmas gift for my friend. Surprisingly, the owner was incredibly RUDE and cold. I don't know how could they do business in old town Pasadena and have survived until today. Good luck! But I will NEVER EVER come back again. read more

The owners here are awful people. I cannot recall how many times I have visited this store throughout the years hoping that it would be a different yet pleasant experience each time and yet... I am heavily disappointed each and every single time. The white gentleman with a receding hairline looses his marbles if you walk in the store to browse and leave with nothing. Its too early to tell if its because he racially stereotypes or not but he keeps a very close eye on those of certain ethnicities when they come into the store to browse. I hate to break it to him and his... wife? Mother? The other owner. But, these prices for "do it yourself" crafts are too much and can be found for way less on sites such as Etsy where your money would be going to small businesses who absolutely deserve more profit then these two baboons. They claim to have such "rare" oddities and what not but you can find more for less anywhere. These people genuinely are after your hard earned money and dont care if said item happens to break on you after having it for less than 24hrs because its made of the poorest quality yet charged as if its made of authentic material. I hope to never see this store again. read more

Twas a rainy day in Pasadena and the partner and I decided to go to our favorite tea shop and walk around the empty streets. Every time we passed this store during covid it was closed like most retail in the area over pandemic. But I gave the door a nudge and was surprised to find it open...Theodora becconed us to come inside her store of oddities and intrigue. She was sweet, welcoming, funny, and gave us historical information on items in the store that piqued our interest. My partner managed to sneak and buy me a bracelet with sacred geometry tigers while I was mesmerized by the 200 pound (hand carved and cast in silver) skull, which was quite the show stealer on display in the store. I want to add that we are "regular Joe's" and don't spend money frivilously but my boo has been working his a** off lately and knew this bracelet was special and one of a kind. And we both felt prices were decent for exceptionally curated items. There really isn't any store like this that I am aware of. A great place to find interesting and unique gifts. I'm a bargain shopper and a stickler when it comes to dropping coin but for unique decor that you won't see knock offs at every brick and mortar store I find Gold Bug to be well worth the purchase. Not to mention EVERYTHING in the store is a conversation piece. I look forward to my next special purchase, perhaps a real ancient coin necklace from B.C? Well no one else will have it that's for sure. read more

My experience with the Gold Bug has been a positive one because of Theodora, one of the owners, who has always been kind and helpful. A co-worker first introduced me to the Gold Bug about 10 years ago and Theodora has consistently given me impecable customer service ever since. I love their cologne from Florence, Italy. I am excited to learn that Gold Bug now has a new product, the Thieves Oil Scented Tree Sap, made of clove, eucalyptus, cinnamon, lemon, rosemary. I can't wait to get it and use it in my bedroom like potpourri. read more

A gift card from a friend brought me in to Gold Bug recently, and I'm so glad to have become re-acquainted with this unique store! I hadn't been to their new location since they moved from further along Union, but I have to say I love the look of their new space! It's much more open and bright with eye-catching displays all around, a lot like the gift shop of a contemporary art museum. Theodora was a total gem, and was very helpful while my friend and I poked around and asked questions about their various items. I ended up totally enchanted with a gorgeous blue butterfly that she let me select, which she then mounted in a display jar for me - while I waited! She was so patient while I hemmed and hawed over its jar size too. Overall a great experience, can't wait to stop back in soon! read more

The Gold Bug - The beautiful butterfly Theodora put together for me while I waited. - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California

I highly recommend shopping at the Gold Bug and asking for Theodora who provides optimal customer service. Their rare objects complement interior design and often result in conversations about ancient art, pharmacologia, classic literature, science, culture, nature, poetry and gothic architecture. Where else could one find a statue of mercury and a cologne from S. Maria Novella, Florence? read more

This is a toxic environment. The clerk was a rude old man that yelled at me when I asked the price of an item and told me to put it down. When I asked how I could consider buying something I didn't know the price of, he just kept yelling. read more

SO SORRY THE STORE AND HELP WERE SO UNWELCOMING. As soon as we walked in we felt the negatively from the gentleman behind the glass counter. We asked if mask were required he answered angrily. We had them ready in our hands. It is a Long narrow store with too many large glass cases which seem to say "look but don't touch ...or buy". Two lady's entered minutes later and asked the same question he answered them so rudely that they left. Seems to me you could just say'"yes, but if you don't have one we have some here." Mask are inexpensive, customers are important especially in these COVID times. So sorry that the store and help were to cold and unwelcoming . read more

Every time I've come into this store looking for a unique gift or a treat for myself I have not been disappointed, but am always pleasantly surprised at what I end up finding. The whole store is a feast for the senses, with something unique for every budget. The owners and their daughter are such sensitive souls, it's always a delight talking to them. I enjoy the new space, a little bit smaller and much more intimate. It seems more contained, where you can see all the displays better than the old place. I feel that this space has better feng shui than the previous location. read more

Visiting Pasadena area in search of unique shops. Very pleased to have stumbled upon this one. Definitely not for everyone. But if you are a die hard shopper & love eclectic, interesting, unexpected treasure hunts - this might be your place. Read some reviews about rude service but that was not my experience today. Exceptionally gracious lady was friendly & helpful. If you already have a home filled with treasures gathered from around the world (with not much space left) you most likely won't find anything decor wise you cannot live without. In that sense, a bit of a disappointment as this is no John Derian NYC. That being said, true treasure hunters are sure to find SOMETHING memorable whether it be a special jewelry charm or a set of fabulously unique tarot cards. I do hope the shopkeepers opt to explore & scavenge around in an effort to expand their offerings. There is so much potential for this to be a trailblazing destination for one of a kind & heirloom objects! read more

I love this store! I take all my friends here and they take their friends and they take their friends... Their new location has a very museum quality feeling to it and I really miss the creepy vibes with their old space with the black walls but they are both nice. If you're a child of the 1890s this place is for you. It's an awesome place for unique art, baubles, jewelry, and clothes. Feels like the refined, upscale version of necromance on melrose or in some ways the bearded lady in burbank. If you're a fan of the museum of jurassic technology in venice you'll love this place. read more

I wanted to explore this oddity store for the first time as I have been to Pasadena a few times for the Ipic theater. I always end up passing this very unique store but out of all my times here I had never been inside. I dragged my boyfriend along with me and we went into see what they had on display. We enjoyed looking at everything but of course due to the very ridiculously high prices my boyfriend and I never found the desire to purchase anything. After 30 minutes which is approximately the amount of time it took to see everything in the store. We were headed for the door when the owner or employee (a man with washed out white hair, glasses, and a large figure) rudely called out to us and asked why we bothered coming in if we weren't going to buy anything. His tone was harsh and he was obviously very offended that we didn't walk out with anything in our hands. Sensing that he was a very hostile man I told him "because we aren't interested" and walked out the door before things could escalate as it seemed this man had no sensor or the motivation to provide a proper customer experience within his store. All in all, we will definitely not be coming back and I recommend that if you are looking for an oddity store near Pasadena please avoid this one. read more

I was there last Saturday, June 26th, afternoon and had a horrible experience . The clerk, or maybe he's the actual owner, who was an older white guy treated me and my friend very unprofessionally, and I felt being discriminated against. What a shame, I used to like the merchandise they carried and patron the shop quite often before the pandemic. read more

I've loved this store from the first day I discovered it through a friend. I'm not sure why there are so many reviews saying the staff is rude. They've always been nice to me and accommodating. They've given me discounts and whenever I've purchased online (due to Covid) it came fast and was wrapped very well. For anyone reading this please, try to ignore the others and look at the positive reviews. It really is a beautiful and magical store. People who truly love this art (and that are serious buyers) will fall in love at first sight and will want to keep coming back! read more

As others have pointed out, the owner is pretty unpleasant. Specifically though, he refuses to credit artists for their work, and acts as a gatekeeper to their work, almost claiming it as his own. Really terrible dude. Avoid it like the plague. The world does not need middlemen like this taking money from artists. read more

This place has cool stuff, but he people who own it are horribly rude individuals (primarily the husband and wife). They are so so soooo rude, I bought from them before and was a returning customer, but was repeatedly left with a sour taste in my mouth from how rude the owners are. If you want the same curated artifacts but with a more affordable price tag check out necromancer, or another oddity shop in LA. They changed yelp pages, when they moved, so I'm just moving my review over here too. Trust me and all the other similar reviews, take your business elsewhere. read more

Good Bug is worth a drive to visit. Amazing things that you can't find anywhere else and the best owner ever. I would like to give it 6 stars! read more

Aside from the AMAZING assortment of oddities and cool jewelry, the OWNERS are the best part! knowledgable and HILARIOUS. They are highly intelligent (gifted about their product) and can word spar and talk about any subject with satire! The responses the owners give about the product is part of the CHARM (maybe dry humor is not your jam) --if you are looking for a cookie cutter experience this might not be your place, but I will be a faithful Goldbug customer, and am happy they are part of Old Town Pasadena!! read more

I love this shop. The owners are helpful and friendly! The unusual products are works of art! When I'm on my way there, I feel like I'm on my way to Disneyland! This is a must go to shop! read more

I was at the Gold Bug recently where Theodora, one of the owners, treated me with the kindness I have yet to get from a private business. Theodora took the time out of her busy day to explain the history, process and benefit of a potpourri her family created named, "Thieves Oil Scented Tree Sap" made from eucalyptus, other plants and oils. The scent is utterly intoxicating! I mentioned to her that I am indigenous and shared our traditions of using natural aromatherapy as medicine. I felt heard and valued when she took took extra time to listen and offer possible collaboration for new services. Theodora is truly a social innovator because she thrives on collaboration and respect; on doing things with others, rather than just to them or for them: hence her great interest in new ways of using ideas, or the many experiments involving designing a new product. The Gold Bug is a place where innovation is the tool of entrepreneurship. The act that uses resources with a new capacity to create not just a new line of business or wealth but also respect for a community. Pasadena is an interesting city to visit because the Gold Bug is in it! read more

Rude and irresponsible. I like their stuff, but it's not worth it. I've made several purchases. One decorative plate that I bought came with no instructions and after a year of gathering dust I decided to wash it. Had no idea it was a laminate. The laminate dissolves into pieces. I brought it back to see if I could replace it or get a discount on a new one, and they were so rude and took no responsibility. I would've appreciated even a 10% discount but from the getgo they let me know I was SOL and they didn't value my business in the slightest. Done with this place. read more

Love this place. It's a unique store, part artgallery, part museum, part curio shop. I have never come into this store without finding something that speaks to me on some level - shock, awe, or a must have. While it might not be for everyone's taste, this place is a must see at least once. The folks who own and run the place are a wealth of information about the work and the artists which always adds to the appreciation of the work. read more

Decided to browse Gold Bug while window shopping one afternoon. The absolute snootiness and outrageous price tags will keep us from ever returning or purchasing. Downright cold "customer service" for a wannabe musuem of oddities. No, your attitude is not "cute." May as well require a credit card swipe or an admission to enter. Go away from our town soon, please. Thanks! read more

A sweet, family run business with the best, most unique gifts you could imagine. They have items for all budgets. I always eye their beautiful expensive pieces, but you can also get memorable gifts for $45! I feel like I'm chatting with friends whenever I talk with the folks behind the counter. Thanks for my favorite ring of all time and for making me everyone's favorite holiday guest! Much love! read more

A gem in Old Pasadena! This is probably the most unique shop that I've been to, and I've been into many shops all over the world. It's part jewelry and accessories, part art, and part taxidermy store. The Gold Bug was recommended to me by a stranger who remarked about my necklace that was cast from a real hummingbird skull. She thought I would like the jewelry there. She was right! So many beautiful pieces... Hint, hint, to anyone looking to buy me a present... I bought some feather earrings and a candlestick with (what I like to think of as) a raven claw for the base. The way everything is displayed is truly artistic and everything somehow goes so well together. The taxidermy is very tastefully done and the insects under glass are elegant. It's definitely not like the Grandpa's shop from Lost Boys. This place has class! read more

I frequent this store as a customer, not a window shopper. When I am in there I am usually the only person making a purchase. Very few spaces exist with this kind of aesthetic and I have been grateful for them for fighting through their venue change. The young lady who is usually there has been friendly, enthusiastic and well mannered in her conversation. Her father was working there today, and he lost a regular customer by forcing his political opinion down the throat of this unwilling customer. I spent 20 minutes trying to pay for my item until he finally refused my payment because we had different political points of view. The conversation never got heated but he was obviously very upset with me for not agreeing without thinking about his poorly informed political musings. Again, I had my card out to pay, but he just started at me lips pursed until I left. It's sad to think that political overload will have an ill effect on his business. Will absolutley never be back knowing he holds so much animosity towards people of different positions. read more

Loved the pieces in this store but was appalled by the way we were treated by the staff. We were simply looking around and taking note of things we liked for potential later purchase and recommendations to friends. I pulled out my cell phone to write down an author's name, and was immediately confronted by what I'm assuming was the owner. He rudely told us no cell phones are allowed and "shopping here to shop somewhere else isn't cool with us". What a completely uncalled for accusation. We were so put-off we left and will not be returning. Judging by other reviews, this is clearly standard operating procedure at this store. If you want to be a pretentious pick with a complete disdain for others, maybe don't open a retail store. If you don't want people to shop like they're in a store (touching things, sharing prices with friends via photos, etc.) open a gallery. Any artist with work here is being handicapped by this store's condescending representation. read more

My favorite place! This place showcases dark, odd, unique, and one-of-kind pieces that will delight anyone who is into rare jewelries and other pieces. It is an hour's drive to Pasadena from my home but i make it a point to visit the store monthly just to browse (and puchase) neat decor, jewelry, and occasional gifts. If you are tired of the ordinary, do yourself a favor and stop in here. The store owners are friendly and always willing to help. Two thumbs up! 5+ stars for originality. read more

After wandering into the store with a friend who ha seen dying to see the oddities they display we've been absolutely turned off by the incredibly rude shop owners. We tried to make small talk and were immediately shot down or given curt responses and accused of taking photos and outsourcing to find another place to buy from. (my friend was checking to see her gold bug email she subscribes to and even apologized and described it to the shop owner). Despite the fact the shop emails clearly give out artisan names to begin with the husband and wife were incredibly cold and rude. When saying thank you and waving goodbye on our way out we were met with cold glances if any attention at all. As someone who works in the service industry never thought I'd actually leave a bad review but for this sake if they are so elite as they put air to be I'm sure one small review will not harm their artisan business, right? read more

One of the worst retail experiences I've ever had. The owner (or I assume he was the owner, as he kept going on about how it was his store) is hands-down the rudest man I've met in the customer service field. I went to this store in mid December with my parents, looking for a good time and some weird wares. Upon entering, my father was almost immediately stalked by the owner, who repeatedly accosted him with rude remarks about not touching anything expensive. My father, who is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, typically wears very plain clothes (shorts and a humorous t-shirt). I believe it's because of his humble attire that the owner singled him out- he assumed he was too "poor" or "common" to know how to handle expensive items. When my father tried to defend himself, the owner immediately launched into a tirade and began to make personal insults towards him about his "bad behavior". When my mother tried to jump in to defend my father, he immediately turned on her as well- it took me and the other employee to hold him back from launching a new verbal assault on her. I was a customer at their old location for years, but after this experience I will never be shopping here again, if only to avoid this exceptionally hostile man. Overpriced products and unparalleled unprofessionalism. If I could give this store less than one star, I would. read more