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Gold Bug
34 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States
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Sa
Review №1

This place is absolutely amazing! They have so many great things to look at & buy...from old movie props, to museum quality bug collections and many unique gift ideas. We purchased an antique looking beaker set up which held amber crystals that smell unbelievable! Also bought the oil to refresh the smell once it got too faint. Must stop here whenever in downtown Pasadena!

An
Review №2

I wish I could give this place 6 stars. Lots of quirky, unique, dark trinkets and decor. A rockstars paradise.

H
Review №3

Everything in the shop is beautiful. The owner is chatty and funny. Wish I had more money to support this awesome shop and all the amazing artists curated by the store owner.

Me
Review №4

I love the store, the wares and the displays. I bought two pair of earrings from a designer they represent a few years ago. A year later, I was back in town and stopped in to buy another pair, and happily saw them on display. I asked the owner what the name of the designer was, and he said he wouldn’t tell me..His words were: “If I tell you, you’ll just go online and buy them there.” Wow! I told the owner perhaps he doesn’t remember, but I had bought two pair last year, and that I had stopped in to buy another pair. He was so unkind, condescending and snooty. Well, I bought another pair anyway. You’d think a store that sold you over $300 dollars of merchandise would share with you the name of the designer whose piece you are buying.There is a wonderful store on Bleecker Street in New York City who carries the same designer. I always stop into this store when I’m in York, and they gladly share all the information about this jewelry line...if they have what I want, I buy it from them. And if they don’t, we look online and see what else is available. And we have a wonderful time looking at all the beautiful pieces together: it’s the K/LLR Collection, and its designed in New York.

sa
Review №5

You can find most of the items in this shop being sold directly by the artists them selves, save them a hefty gallery fee and buy directly from the artists.I could not believe how rude the owner was. I asked him a question about a piece and he begrudgingly answered, kind of weird but ok. I looked around the store a while longer and found a piece I loved and asked who made it to which he responded OH MY GOD some guy in france! I have never been treated like that, I told him I was planning on buying it so thats why i asked, he responded well I cant stand here all day answering your questions!! two, he had a could not handle two questions being asked 10 min apart. I have honestly never been treated like that, it was bizzare

Jo
Review №6

Great family owned art gallery where you can find very interesting prints, jewelry and one of a kind items.Highly recommend.There is always something amazing and impressive to tantalize the senses.

Je
Review №7

If youre looking for something special that no one else will have, go here. The merch is beautiful and particularly unique.

Ra
Review №8

The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Lots of very beautiful things to buy. We almost missed it because google maps is a little off about where theyre located.

Fa
Review №9

Such a unique shop - Ive got a few things from here that I love. The problem here is the attitude. They seem to have forgotten they are retail, not a gallery so the attitude here is often condescending toward some. I havent experienced it myself but Ive seen it every time Ive been in over the years. You get the feeling that if you dont understand their selection of goods, you should get the heck out. A family run business, father and daughter are the most welcoming, the matron is the least and makes clear one isnt welcome unless you genuinely admire their goods. The signs around the shop about the rules of conduct let you know. Apparently customers of shops in the area have mentioned that attitude because shopkeepers around the city have mentioned it to me. Also, I respect that they do not want photos taken in their space, but their extreme paranoia over it is a little much. They are more defensive than proud of their inventory. They work with a good deal of talented artists and designers, hence the high prices as many items are one of a kind. You can find anything from taxidermy to leather goods, jewelry, art, home goods. Lots of great items, but beware the attitude.

Sa
Review №10

Fun and unique items on display for sale

Gh
Review №11

This is a lovely store. The owners have been unparalleled in their patience with our 4 year old for the past year educating him on bugs and helping him create an amazing collection. They have bugs in all price points (in my experience 15.00 and up). Our son saves his money from learning to read and doing school work for months so he can buy whatever bug he has chosen. When he has met his financial goal we take him to finalize his purchase. It’s an amazing lesson in delayed gratification and we could not be more grateful to Theodora for her incredible disposition. Recommend highly.

Pr
Review №12

Unique and museum-esque

An
Review №13

I dont usually write reviews, but I cant help myself! Today I visited my most favorite store (Gold Bug), and had such a lovely time talking to the ladies that work there. I ended up buying a new smokey quartz crystal to take home & they were kind enough to give me a note that tells you what powers the crystal promotes. Their knowledge on the different crystals and gems were very impressive. I live about and hour away, but I make the journey to come into this shop a few times a year. I cant wait for my next visit! THANK YOU!!

Ar
Review №14

They have some very unique items here. There were many things that caught my eye. Only problem was that I couldnt afford any of it. A little too pricey. Nice staff though.

Da
Review №15

Really unique shop full of archeology-inspired antiques. We spent an hour in here just having fun looking around. One of the coolest stores Ive been in.

An
Review №16

If I could afford it, I’d decorate my entire house with art from Goldbug. The shop is filled with interesting curiosities, but the most stunning are perfectly preserved sea creatures, mammals and insects mounted to the walls.This isn’t traditional taxidermy, but instead a freeze drying technique that leaves them incredibly lifelike.If you’re concerned about animal welfare, have no worries. Goldbug’s specimens come from zoos, aquariums and private collections, and are all animals that passed on from natural causes.A friendly owner, stunning collection and my favorite place to shop for unexpected gifts.

Er
Review №17

The best - super unique goth-y vibe curios/art/fashion/decor

Dr
Review №18

Owner is charming. A store filled with the odd and amazing!

Bu
Review №19

LOVE this place!!! The owner is wonderful and the store is completely chocked to the brim with beautiful gift items, decor & jewelry ...so much it is hard to take it all in in one visit! This IS the place to go if you have someone on your gift list that has everything, as I am certain they do not have what is carried at Gold Bug!!!

Da
Review №20

Cool store and Ill definitely be back for a framed taxidermy/butterfly but had to comment because of the person complaining that they got yelled at for being on their phone and there not being signage.....theres literally a giant sign on the front door at eye level when you walk in. The owners are kind of rude, sure (I got ignored and I know its because I look young/too young to afford their stuff...but Im used to that), but mostly within reason. This isnt a store you can try to haggle at and its super small and cramped so theyre strict about backpacks and being on phones because who wants their stuff broken accidentally or have to deal with rude customers?Definitely go here for the taxidermy!

Mo
Review №21

I’v visited this store with my sister and loved some of their beautiful artistic works. Seen a stuffed beaver kinda got my attention. I love animals. I asked the young lady were those beavers poached? and to my surprise the owner got mad and kicked me out. If it’s one thing I can remember back in the store is the attitude Very RUDE! Never again back. Thumps down

Ar
Review №22

Its fun to dream about maybe owning such beautiful taxidermy. Prices are outrageous, but the quality is impeccable. Its very hard to take photos here as the workers have a watchful eye. Small shop, you can see it all in under 10 mins.

Ca
Review №23

Amazing and wonderful place. Truly inspired.

Ju
Review №24

Great store with all sorts of fun and unique gift ideas. From pigeon plates to beavers wearing tiny crowns, its here. Youll have to go see for yourself what artists they are featuring in the window. If you cant find something you like here, it probably doesnt exist. And be sure to tell the people working Justin sent you! (Unless its you, in which case, stop reading this!)

Di
Review №25

My family and I Recently visited Pasadena, and walked by it by chance. The store has some great items as we look closer. bought stones, books and quirky odds and ends. Items are a little pricey, but if I had the money I would purchase more. The owner was pleasant with a great sense of humor. He actually made a beautiful chandelier out of selenite stones beautiful! When I visit Cali again I will make sure I stop by.

Ad
Review №26

Great selection of truly unique items

Ji
Review №27

Nice selection, willing bto bargain.

Je
Review №28

The best place in Pasadena that sells original, one of a kind jewelry, art and items of wonderful curiosity. So nice to have pieces that are yours and yours alone to treasure. Love this place and love the owners. My husbands go to place for my birthday present every year. Just the BEST.ps. A note to all the designers/retailers that steal Gold Bugs look and ideas... Bad Karma, Dudes! Create your own one of a kind pieces and the people will come. Theres plenty to go around.pps. A note to all shoppers: The no phones, no pictures, no tossing things around and knocking stuff over signs are posted EVERYWHERE. Take a moment to enjoy it all and take a break from your screens. Your brain will thank you.

Da
Review №29

Great collection of taxidermy, oddities and high end artwork.

Ke
Review №30

Amazing store and service! The owners are always in. They have beautiful pieces. Clothing, jewelry, decor. One of my favorite boutiques in Los Angeles

Mr
Review №31

A real breath of fresh air! This store is really quirky and they sell some fab items, from bones and candles to Mark Ryden art cards. I brought the Mark Ryden cards and could be happier. The store clerk was real friendly and let us get on with looking around without any bother. Id come again and Ill bring a bigger suitcase next time!

Ta
Review №32

What do you get for that person who has everything? Why not a giant babydoll head abacus? A stuffed gopher wearing a crown? How about colorful art made entirely from iridescent beetle shells? I kid you not- you can find all that and more at Gold Bug. You can have a great time just browsing this funky store. They also have gorgeous jewelry, though not cheap! An old boyfriend bought a necklace for me here, and I still treasure it. Remember, no photography at all inside!

Ba
Review №33

Great shop for a fun inspirational experience.

Pa
Review №34

Many gems interesting

Xo
Review №35

Thats one expensive store. But its soooo cool. One of a kind, never been to a store like it.

Ma
Review №36

Im shocked at comments in the other reviews about bad customer service... Ive been shopping here for years and have never had anything but pleasant service and great conversations with the owners. Our experiences dictate that if youre respectful and careful here, youll have no problems.As far as the merchandise, theres no other store like this that Ive ever seen - beautiful decor, truly unique gifts and trinkets, kind of gothic-Victorian-naturalist-scientific-macabre all at once. Art books, handmade cards, jewelry, candles and lighting, statuary... I wish I could move into this store. Many things are pricey, but its well worth it if you can afford them, and they do have lots of small items that can be bought on a budget. A must see if youre in the neighborhood.

Ka
Review №37

This store is full of really awesome things. Really awesome things come with a not so awesome price tag. Its great for browsing if its too expensive for your tastes though!

Ro
Review №38

My five favorite stores in Los Angeles: Curio Emporium, Gold Bug, Handmade, New Stone Age, Wacko / Soap PlantGold Bug is awesome from top to bottom. A little macabre and a little pricey, but its a treasure of an art boutique.

Da
Review №39

Great shop! Wish they had anthropomorphic stuff.

mi
Review №40

Nice place

Am
Review №41

Rude owner!! Got kicked out of store, bullied, and yelled at for talking on cell phone with ZERO signage inside the store. Never going back. My blood is boiling!

Information
61 Photos
41 Comments
4.4 Rating
  • Address:34 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States
  • Site:http://goldbugpasadena.com/
  • Phone:+1 626-744-9963
Categories
  • Art gallery
  • Gift shop
  • Jewelry store
Working hours
  • Monday:11am–5pm
  • Tuesday:Closed
  • Wednesday:11am–5pm
  • Thursday:11am–5pm
  • Friday:11am–5pm
  • Saturday:11am–5pm
  • Sunday:11am–5pm
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
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