Sept. 23, 2025
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
A “permanent jewelry” business plans to open at Main Street Commons in Bethlehem.
The vacant spot near the Spy Shop and across from Aardvark shoes will become Mod Metal Works, according to a sign in the building.
I had never heard of “permanent jewelry” so I looked it up. It’s permanent because a bracelet or whatever is welded together, on the wearer, completing a link.
So the jewelry is on permanently, unless you choose to cut it off. What the value of this is to the wearer, I don’t know, but then I don’t wear jewelry.
I read that the procedure is safe. I wish Mod Metal well, but no, I won’t be a customer.
Here’s the sign at Main Street Commons, which we old-timers once knew as the Orr’s Department Store. See the Orr’s logo in the photograph above.
Permanent jewelry isn’t really permanent. The wearer can cut it off.
Main Street Commons is in a 176-year-old building, according to Lou Pektor’s Ashley Development. After the building was renovated for office and retail use, it was named “The Shoppes at Main Street Commons” but nobody calls it that.
The Commons has 17 retail units on two levels and 33,000 square feet of professional office space on two upper levels.
The building is home to the Bethlehem Brew Works, an ice cream store and other businesses.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 