Gold Bug

This store is an amazing hidden gem and Theodora is a delight! Such a unique place selling one of a kind items. To all of the reviewers complaining about signage discouraging photography/encouraging caution: grow up. This shop is full of precious fragile oddities and the signs are up for good reason. Give the owners the benefit of the doubt. Support this local treasure, we need more brick and mortar like this!

Gold Bug is one of the most unique shops there is in Pasadena, hands down. Not only does it draw from the grand tradition of European "cabinets of curiosities" but the owner's warmth and humor will wish you had some more money in your bank account to fork over. Yes there are some high ticket items, but more so incredible and incredibly reasonably priced gifts too. Support local, but most importantly support weird, cool, and the awesome in life. And they throw killer parties too. Win for all.

The owner is cool as hell and the shop itself is almost like a museum. There are many pricy objects but a good mix of things that can be bought as gifts and decor. Oddly enough this is a great place for bug or 'academic chart' looking gift cards. The vibe of the place is immaculate and is a breath of fresh air in a city that has many novelty shops but of which seem like you could just go online and find what you want. This shop is not that. You have to come into the shop to find what you want and you will likely not be able to find it online ever. The things sold here are: bones, skulls, insect taxidermy displays, nick-nacks with a focus on bugs and birds. For the more discerning customer there is plenty of fine jewelry made by independent artists that the owner will be happy to tell you all about I'm sure.

Read the negative reviews. I rarely if ever or at all leave reviews but i had to for this store. Whoever the old man behind the counter is (probably the owner) is sooo rude, condescending and oozes negativity. It's very unpleasant to even be near or around his presence. I had to leave after I got a comment from him that totally killed my shopping energy for the day. Man needs customer service classes and some empathy which he clearly lacks. If I could give zero stars I would.

As others have said, the vibes in here are not good. I'd like to support small business but I felt unwelcome. So many rules posted outside: "no food! No filming! Don't touch!" I do think this store could be successful if they just gave customers the benefit of the doubt.

Pretentious shop with taxidermied animals wearing clothes. This is the kind of place that makes me angry. It's been around for a while and was at another location where I could not avoid walking by it. We went in there when it first opened YEARS ago before YELP so this is a long time coming and applies to the visit then. The person who greeted us was condescending and spoke to us like we were dumb. Then we looked around and saw the overpriced crap that was for sale. It brought a visceral reaction to me and we had to leave ASAP. Whenever I manage to stumble across it during my visits to Pasadena, it brings up the same reaction deep in my soul. It's not a good place and I feel bad for all the animals and insects on display in there.

A place to find art, gifts, novelties, jewelery, taxidermy, and more. Most things I've never seen anywhere else, and the staff know so much about each piece, the artists that make it and more. Definitely worth a visit, and if you go once, you'll probably go again

Upon walking into the store very unique oddities and curiosities no cell phone policy. the owner did seem like a snob he rubbed me the wrong way because of his demeanor and interactions with other costumers as well . Big ego attitude from him which made the experience of shopping in there unpleasant but I did manage to buy some things and the lady was more friendly who rung me up. Stay away from the pretentious owner/artist and you'll be fine.

Oh my gaaaawsh If you haven't been here, you muuust come. It is practically an art museum but in reality it is the most unique gifts that were hand picked and crafted by artists. From paintings, to jewelry, to metal art and even some taxidermy, you can find so many cool things! I just happened to walk by and just the vibe alone caught my eye and drew me in here! I did a once over and then took a second slower viewing and found the most beautiful pieces. I never buy candles but I definitely bought two here. I've never seen candles like this before. I bought a tarot set for someone who isn't into tarot necessarily but the artwork for it is so spectacular, I had to buy. This is just a few things I bought. The owners, Theodora and Stacey were super nice and so helpful. They had great tips and had such a great eye to help me find exactly what I was looking for when I didn't even know. I love a good gift shop but this is different and so much better. I really love everything in here. I highly recommend stopping by!

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!

Make sure you don't touch anything in the store, or the owner will start ruining your shopping experience

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.

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.

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!

Where Curiosities Bloom and Cell Phones Rest Stumble into Gold Bug and find yourself in an emporium where every shelf and shadow harbors a wonder, a whisper from a world where art, history, and nature conspire to enchant. It's less of a gallery, more of an alchemist's lair, located somewhere between the now and the once upon a time. Here, the independent artists aren't just masters; they're maestros of the modern curio, crafting home decor with souls, apparel with stories, and jewelry that might've been plucked from the treasure chest of an avant-garde pirate. Every nook cradles a conversation piece so intriguing, it'll render your chat-box friends speechless. Looking for a gift? Gold Bug specializes in the unexpected, the 'I-never-knew-I-needed-this-until-now' kind of treasures. In a twist as delightful as their wares, cell phones take a nap, transforming the space into a sanctuary of the sensory, a museum of the moment. It's not about disconnecting; it's about reconnecting with the tactile tangibility of true artistry. So if your soul is itching for something that can't be swiped or scrolled, let Gold Bug scratch that itch with a shopping experience as rare and refined as the gems it houses. Go on, dial down the digital and turn up the discovery. Gold Bug awaits your undivided attention.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Before visiting Gold Bug, I recommended you read the reviews. So many people highlight the same issues with the owner. He is described as unpleasant,overbearing and just flat out mean.

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.

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..

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!

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!

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...

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!!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

This place is a true find. Would give them 5 stars but the dad is kind of a prickly pear. The mother & daughter are amazing.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!