Reviews & Ratings for Gold Bug

04/12/11

first visit there

by jihealee

I am so sorry for writing this as my first impression from the Gold Bug. I visited today with my pentax camera and did not notice that I cannot take the photo

there. However, the owner of the store did not tell me that people cannot take the photo there before asking me to leave the store right away and then, use his middle finger for that. I think he could not do that if the person is a Caucasian American. I felt such a horrible racism. I live the Old Town Pasadena so long even graduate my art school here and love the Mark Ryden's work (which was the store presents his works also.).

I understand that he might have a bad day but that behavior is not acceptable no matter what. I think he is pretty rich enough to do a person like me ( asian).

Citysearch Editorial Review

by Melissa Gage

A self-proclaimed “contemporary cabinet of curiosities,” this unique boutique in the heart of Old Town Pasadena features jewelry, art and ephemera from more than 75 independent artists. The handmade items, many of them one of a kind, make memorable gifts for any price range from $5 to $10,000. There’s a loose natural history focus, and the vibe is best described as Charles Darwin meets Alice in Wonderland ... with a little Edgar Allan Poe thrown into the mix. Items from the natural world become delicate works of art here, be it butterflies preserved in glass domes, sculpturesque seashell mirrors or stuffed beavers. Bones and anatomy turn up frequently in items like vintage educational charts, skull pendants and silver-plated anatomical heart castings. Many of the goods exude a Gothic vibe that’s borderline creepy, what with the black skull and snake candle, concrete baby doll heads and edgy art pieces featuring razor blades and religious paraphernalia. On the other end of the spectrum, there are whimsical insect dioramas depicting beetles drinking beer, praying mantis ironing leaves and wasps serving tea. A standout jewelry selection runs the gamut from Melissa Joy Manning’s delicate gemstones and Jamie Joseph’s bold semi-precious stone pieces to bullet, gun and knife pendants from Sweetboy and Strongarm Society. Distinctive clothing and accessories include hand-dyed dresses, topless vests, Victorian collars, silk cuffs, ascots, leather top hats and riding gloves.

02/24/10

Neato Stuff!! Nothing else like it around

by Madss

This place is so great, and a rare find in the land of chain stores in old town Pasadena. Super unusual jewelry, little delicate dioramas trapped in glass, and special leather hats if you wanna look like a fashionable Dickensian, (and come on, who doesn't.) Def. special stuff.

• Pros: Super cool thingies
• Cons: none

11/04/08

This is a great find!

by hockey7

You have to stop by this store they have the best selection of custom jewlery in Pasadena!! The staff is so personable and helpful!

Editorial Review

by Contributor

Discover the hidden gem that is Gold Bug in Pasadena, which offers fine jewelry, unique art pieces and hard-to-find decor items.

01/07/08

Beautiful and unique store

by trjnlaw

Wonderful little store with a beautiful and unique selection of goods. You can really tell that a lot of care and attention was put into their merchandise and displays. The store is a bit off the main Colorado Blvd drag and feels like a hidden little treasure. My only complaint is that the jewelry is a bit pricey (although oh so pretty). It was also be nice if they gift wrapped (maybe a complimentary service they can offer in the near future?)

• Pros: Service. Quality. Selection
• Cons: Price (beautiful and unique doesn't come cheap!)

12/04/07

This shop is full of charm and the owners are the salt of the earth!

by mnirivero

If you want to be a great gift-giver, or are simply bored with the Corporate stores that have moved into Old town Pasadena to destroy it's charm, take a chance and wonder of the beaten path of Colorado Blvd onto Union Street. 22 E. Union St., to be exact, and visit this wonderful find. This store has a gift for anyone you'd want to get a truly genuine reaction out of. I wondered in to look at the jewelry for my Mom and walked out with a sign that reads "Pirates Only" for my Son's room. I was delightfully surprised to find the hard-to-find type of decor this store offers, such as glass blown vases and unique framed art, to tapestries and peacock feathers. The best thing about the store are the owners though, who are sincerely nice and very knowledgeable about what they carry. They actually care enough to know the artists behind the pieces personally and they'll even take the time to tell you about it. They come from a Farm in Washington State, so they bring a warm, down to earth feel to the store. It's such a different experience from the snobby, retro-posh shops that surround it. They'll even invite you back if you leave without buying anything (which was the mistake I made the first time)! I suggest taking the time to visit this place. You'll leave thinking "What a gem"!!!

• Pros: The personalized service, the ambience, the items
• Cons: That more people don't know about this place