Upper Metal Class -  a minimalist style with a hint of light hearted fun.  Each hand crafted design is developed with simplicity in mind while drawing inspiration from architecture, math, science and the natural life around us. 

We are always looking for ways to improve our everyday practices in all aspects striving towards using recycled metals, packaging material including protective bags that are earth friendly & biodegradable. 

We also aim towards helping the community along with non-profit organizations.

Studio based in Grants Pass, Oregon - Made in U.S.A.

About

Hi I'm T based out of Grants Pass, OR and I love designing Upper Metal Class.

When I was "in between jobs" or when I didn't have a job at all, it always lead me to that thought of, "What the hell am I going to do now?!"  That feeling of being lost and down on your luck while not knowing what to do next in life.  Like it's the end of the world or maybe not, but it's just a scary thought of knowing that starting over is never easy.  I've gone through many horrible jobs and some that were really great, but nothing I was passionate about or could see myself doing for long.  So one day I finally gave up trying to figure everything out and fell into a hobby learning about the different processes of jewelry making to keep myself busy having fun.  And I have been enjoying every minute of it till this day.

What's in the name?
Times weren’t easy for my family when I was a child. My mother grew up in a very hard life.  She was forced to drop out of school at the age of 12 to start work and eventually to take care of her 16 siblings.  When the Vietnam War hit she ended up living in a refugee camp and was lucky enough to make it on a boat packed tight with people like sardines to endure little food, water, fend off pirates and survive the most harsh conditions to cross the ocean to find a better future.  It took a few months before she could finally step foot on land again, but when she did she was finally able to start life all over again.  With this it meant taking care me, my two brothers (one sick with leukemia) and my uncle in the US where she learned a new language, culture and lifestyle along the way.  As a child we didn't have much and I grew up in very low income neighborhoods including the projects where there were gangs, theft and violence,  but with that we were also surrounded by others from different races all living in a community with a common goal to be better by striving toward the idea of an upper middle class life. With that comes strong values, hard work, determination and knowing where you came from. Upper Metal Class symbolizes and embodies all of these things.

Community

We enjoy giving back and helping the community. Giving Tuesday is basically everyday for us! Anytime you make a purchase we donate 5% of our profits to organizations/non-profits that do good for the world! THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TO CONTINUE TO GIVE ALL THESE YEARS! The following are organizations we have supported along with past events.

RAICES TEXAS
We defend the rights of immigrants and refugees, empower individuals, families and communities, and advocate for liberty and justice.

BRADLEY ANGLE
Serves anyone affected by domestic violence. We value the dignity and personal story of everyone who comes to us for support, and respect that survivors should have control over their own lives.

ROSE HAVEN
Offers an array of services to help homeless and abused women and children improve their lives in Portland

LIFE CENTER NORTHWEST
Proceeds from the "Niki Necklace" are donated to Life Center Northwest to raise awareness about the need and the importance to register as an organ donor to help nearly 100,000 waiting for a transplant. 

VIETNAM GIVING TRIP
Our personal travels to Vietnam to help and give back. Read them here: Intro , Part 1 & Part 2 

TEEN WITH A DREAM
Provides aid and care to children with cancer 

ANIMAL REFUGEE KANSAI - TOHOKU PACIFIC QUAKE ANIMALS FUND 
Supporting the animals of the Japan Disaster by raising money with custom made “I Love Japan Bracelets”

COMMON RALLY - EVENT
Charity for the Pasadena Humane Society &  SPCA Charity 

SWIM BIKE RUN WATER FOOD HEALTH FUND
Benefit for Ryans Well Foundation, International Women's Health Coalition and the Sacramento Food Bank

FOR JAPAN WITH LOVE
The Silent Auction Benefit for the Shelter Box

JAPAN RELIEF DONATIONS
American Red Cross
Network for Good, Inc.