The Gold Bug

Beautiful ceramics and botanically influenced products. Several made known the USA. Very nice, helpful owner! One of a kind, quality selection!

This is a very eclectic and unique décor store. It’s quite pricey, but understandably so when you see the type of merchandise they sell there. There are items such as framed wall art of a real octopus that has been dehydrated. There are sea fans and skull candles. There is some great jewelry as well. I wouldn’t mind having a couple items of theirs.
Even though it wasn’t crowded, both employees greeted me, which is always nice. Usually in stores such as these, no one says anything.

You MUST visit if you are anywhere near Pasadena. I live in NYC, and visiting a friend there we were fortunate to pass during business hours.
BE AWARE that you are not to take pictures, and you are not to turn stuff over and over, or even pick up and manhandle anything innocently without first speaking to the staff. EVERYTHING there screams PICK ME UP – TOUCH ME!!! because its all really weird, completely unusual sh*t. The owner is like a raw nerve; you pick it up? He’ll rush over and ask CAN I HELP YOU??? but he means YOU’RE ALARMING ME.
DO NOT whip out your camera, they will go ballistic on you.
If you love Cracker Barrell gift shop? this is not the gift shop for you.
Its full of creepy weird interesting stuff, by artisans and sculptors — that they have procured to fit into their Addams Family values. The owner will easily get into a bitchy snit without you doing anything intentional. And that clearly hurts some peoples’ feelings.
Its a bit like the soup nazi from seinfeld fame: he’s already operating with tapped nerves — so do NOT set him off!
That said? I went BACK.
and I bought two items that were burned into my retinas from my visit days earlier. I had to have these little sculptural items, and I’m so glad I got them.
(I would post a photo — but NO PHOTOS PLEASE!!)
Pay a visit, and let me know what you think! (and don’t bring a group with you; you will also be excoriated for THAT!!) Very cool groovy stuff in there.

First let me say that everything in me wanted to love this place. My now fiancé had been in the store several times and had purchased several jewelry pieces for me, including my engagement ring. We live across the country, so while we were on vacation in LA we went out of our way to go here, and had plans to purchase some artful thing together as a kind of icing to our engagement. But unfortunately we were quickly soured on the place by our treatment from the staff, as several other reviewers have mentioned.
Immediately on entering, we told the woman the story about our engagement (I was wearing the ring, naturally), and she beamed for a moment and then began trying to sell us more jewelry to go along with it. It was a lot of upselling, but I didn’t mind all that much, since we were in good spirits and looking for something wonderful to buy among the many oddities displayed.
But that quickly went south. The other gentleman began making small talk with us, said «oh I remember you, you run some kind of little gift shop or something.» I don’t. I’ve never been in the store before, although he could have remembered talking to my fiancé. I politely told him that I was the curator of a museum (actually a major one), and nicely pointed out that we had featured the work of one of the artists in the shop (and that another had confusedly said he had been featured at our museum, which he had not). He responded, «Oh, so you’re here to source something for your little store?» I’m not. I’m here on vacation. And again, I reiterated, I don’t work in a gift shop. I’m an art museum curator, and as much as people might abuse the word «curate» these days to talk about songs or pastries or tuna, it has a real meaning. I went to school for this and have an advanced degree. And I don’t go around trying to «steal your ideas and artists» by walking around in tiny shops in Pasadena, if that’s what you’re implying. «Oh, well, museums all have stores. Like the natural history museum here. You do sell a lot of the work.» No actually, museums don’t sell the art. We do have gift shops. We sell t-​shirts and pencils and yes, the occasional jewelry item, usually having something to do with the mission, but it is not the work we show in the galleries. And again, I don’t work in one. «Like the Mutter Museum has a little gift shop.» Thanks again for belittling my profession. The Mutter does have a gift shop. It’s a half a room that sells two-​headed cookie cutters and stuffed disease tchotchkes. Great for what it is – a gift shop. But you call yourself a «gallery» which means you are in this profession. You very well know the difference and you’re purposefully insulting me. Brash. Pretentious, and above all, not customer service oriented. We ignored him for the rest of the visit, and he made no attempt to apologize.
We then approached the jewelry counter and I was showing my fiancé a ring by the same designer who did mine. He mentioned to the woman that when he’d bought my ring, he tried to contact the artist about it (the woman there at the time had given him her email), but the artist had not responded. Without warning, she angrily lit into him, saying artists she represents are «loyal» to her and would not respond to anyone who did not contact them through the gallery. Since the gallery had given him the contact, and he had not tried to go around them for any of his purchases (more than 5 so far), this seemed uncalled for, we were entirely bemused. She went on at length, in a huff, about «having a talk with the girl» who had given him the info. If I ran a business, I would think the appropriate response would be, «you want more information on this ring/​artist/​etc. and she didn’t respond? I’m happy to contact her on your behalf! What can I do to help?» But then, who am I to say? I just run a gift shop…
At that point we had still been actively looking for something to purchase, but had such a sour taste in our mouths that we just left. And I’m especially sorry since my fiancé had gone out of his way to take me here, to have a wonderful memory to go with the ring that will start our new life together. Instead we left disappointed and saddened, and their behavior left an ugly grey cast over one of the happiest moments of our lives.
In short, if you’re into the macabre, the naturalist, or the «wunderkammer» genres, you’ll be drawn to this place, but it’s not worth being abused by the staff. There are of dozens of other galleries like this one (I recommend Paxton’s Gate in PDX and SFO) which feature the same artists, like Andy Paiko, Evan Chambers, John Darien, and Laura Zindel, but know how to treat their customers.
For my part, I believe money talks, and I have no intention of spending another dime on them.

This place has the coolest and most unique stuff ever. Highly recommend checking it out!

If I could give zero stars I would. Called about magnifying glasses and the gentlemen on the other line was rude. I asked him to describe it to see if it would be to my liking before I drove all the way there from two cities down. He said it was Christmas Eve and he is up to his «neck» with customers and couldn’t really answer my question. Seriously? RUDE! If you don’t have time to answer questions if someone calls, don’t even pick up the phone. I will never shop here and if you guys do, I hope your experience is much better than mine.

Might be the most unusual and cool store I’ve ever been to. I see that the reviews tend to be 5-​star or 1-​star, depending on the owner’s behavior/​attitude. We found him and his daughter to be lovely.
As for the store’s inventory: there is a fine line between kitschy and classy, and Gold Bug manages to keep it classy. The stuff is tasteful (with prices to match) and there’s so much of it! I could have spent hours there.

Lady behind the counter is rude to say the least apparently reading through reviews I’m not the only one who’s encountered this. I will give it to them that they have some unique stuff you can’t find anywhere. If your willing to put up with people treating you like a criminal and spending some money this is the place to go. Ps. I never leave bad reviews but after that experience felt it was necessary.

Absolutely beautiful store! It’s so carefully curated and arranged that it feels more like an art gallery than a shop. One of a kind pieces, whimsical and playful art, and such a lovely environment to walk through. A great selection of art books and spectacular jewelry. Most of their items are expensive, but we’ve often bought trinkets that are $ 25 or less… unique Christmas ornaments during the season, cement baby doll head candle holders, handmade cards, etc. They also have a sale around Valentine’s Day each year, which I recommend if you’re looking to buy something pricey. I wish they were open later, but it’s a family-​owned business so I understand.
I’m stunned at the negative reviews that mention the store owners — we’ve been shopping there for years and have always had chatty conversations with the family that owns it. They know everyone in the local art scene and have fantastic stories about various artists and their own travels to buy merchandise for the store. If you’re respectful and careful, they’re welcoming and friendly. If they think you’re being careless with their merchandise, they’ll treat you accordingly. The rules aren’t excessive — put down your cell phone, no photos, give them your shopping bags, and be careful not to break anything. Is that really so hard? It’s a shame that common courtesy is seen as so demanding now.

Love this place! Unique, beautiful, and highly unusual. I spend tons of time whenever I venture in there. Great customer service — very friendly and patient, since I ask lots of questions! Definitely one of mine go-​to places for buying gifts for those that either already have everything or just difficult to shop for

This is one of the most interesting and carefully curated shops I have ever been to. My friend from Wisconsin and I went there twice while she was here for 5 days because we couldn’t see it all in one trip. We spoke extensively with the owners, who clearly knew their selections and their origins. We also both made a few small purchases of eclectic items.
I will go back to look at the beautiful jewelry, home decorating items and artifacts that they offer and, hopefully, find a few more oddities to add to my collection. This store is a treasure amongst the chain and mundane we see daily. Creepy cool!

I’ve read a few of the bad reviews just shaking my head and respectfully disagree. Even personal attacks about the staff? Absolute nonsense and speaks volumes about the reviewer… If you want to have an experience unlike any other then this is the place.
I’ve been buying at Gold Bug for the last 3 years after having seen their work all over the studio lot… Every time I come in Im treated like a family member. And never have I ever seen or experienced bad customer service.
Whenever my imagination is in need of a refill or shopping for a unique gift this is the place. Theres a reason its featured all over the world in guides to be checked out and I can tell you many highly respected entertainment industry peeps shop here for a reason. Because its amazing. Do yourself a favor and check this place out.

Gold bug has always been closed when I was in Pasadena but today I was in luck… or at least I thought I was. Drove for over an hour in the congested summer heat on the crowded 110 freeway. Entered the air conditioned boutique, in awe… Beautiful artwork and store… RUDE, RUDE, RUDE, RUDE, RUDE, RUDE MAN behind the counter! If I could leave a comment with «0» stars I would! He needs an attitude adjustment and lessons on how to behave with the general public. Ditto what everyone else says in the reviews for his bad behavior! DON’T GO IN THE STORE UNLESS:
1. You want your head ripped off for asking innocent questions about the thousands of framed butterflies, beheaded birds, dead snakes, stuffed fawn, dead bats and more.
2. You have a defensive come back for an offensive gay man with a chip on his shoulder and are dying to get into an argument!
Needless to say, my high expectations were unfortunately, completely flattened.
There is no reason to be a jerk. Most people are good and have good intentions. For what ever reason this guy is obviously sick of hearing the same comments or questions and loves confrontation, which was completely unexpected and un-​called for.

Made a special trip with my wife after recommendations from friends. We weren’t disappointed by the place and are very pleased with our purchases.
NOTE: Some very strange and suspicious comment about the staff here and I suspect sour grapes. We found them very amiable and friendly and enjoyed the experience.
As for prices, quality doesn’t come cheap unfortunately, but prices are very fair.

The store itself is really great, but we were extremely disappointed by the owner’s overall attitude. He had a very aggressive tone of voice when answering some of our questions, as well as being unhelpful. After one of our party left because of the distasteful atmosphere, we confronted him. He said that it was our fault that he was irritable and it wasn’t his problem that we weren’t happy with the service. After the heated argument we left the shop. Someone else should take over the store, and until then, we definitely won’t be returning.

Love this place! Unique, beautiful, varied items. From taxidermied animals and mounted insects to large works of art to small gifts, cards and books, they’ve got it all. It will be my go-​to place for gifts for my steampunk & goth-​inclined friends.
(But don’t think of it as a kitschy gift shop, think of it as an art gallery, and you’ll be just fine.)
The staff was completely friendly the afternoon I went in, BTW.

Cute store, filled with lots of interesting things to look at. The store is an average size, filled with oddities.
You cannot take pictures, as they do not want people to rip off their merchandise, which is understandable. Also, must leave any food or drinks you may have on their counter so you do not spill.
Everything is pretty expensive, but nice to look at. The staff is a little rude… and they watch you like a hawk which is also pretty uncomfortable.

Not a regular antique shop… Is it considered an antique shop? Either way it’s eclectic, eerie and fascinating inside. Not recommended for people who are close minded.
Photos and cameras aren’t allowed.
I bookmarked this place when I saw it on audrey kawasaki’s Instagram feed. Fast forward a year and a half later I finally checked this place out and it was not a disappointment.
Service was really nice. But i wonder if they were f’ing with us when they made us believe that we were looking at remains of trilobites displayed on the wall even though they most likely were horse shoe crabs…

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, because there is so much unique/​macabre/​odd stuff to look at and admire. 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!

If I could afford anything in this store, I’d become a collector of their curios.
This shop is not for people who think they’re going to find a bargain deal.
They have taxidermied bats, man! (And I want one so bad).
Interesting, bizarre, borderline creepy, morbid, unique… these are words I’d use to describe a lot of what this store sells. It’s a certain vibe that you don’t get from, let’s say… HomeGoods. No. No. No. This place has twinges of the macabre, elements of magic and hints of vintage horror.
The woman working at the store did not strike me as friendly, but she at least asked how I was doing and if she could help me. She had been conversing with people the entire time I was there — they seemed to either be regular clients or suppliers. I wasn’t put off that she wasn’t amiable — I expected that kind of temperament from the looks of her.