Mom’s not known for giving the best advice.

To wit: A smile cannot be used as an umbrella. Early birds are usually too tired to catch any worms. And an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, unless, of course, your problem weighs a ton.

But past mistakes aside, she does offer the occasional gem. Every woman surely needs a good strand of pearls. Especially when they come from Rebecca & Penelope. The English company’s handmade freshwater pearl pieces — like the double-strand, knotted-leather necklace with pink pearl drops, silver bangles with pearl charms, and pearls tied with brightly colored satin ribbon — beautifully pair the old with the new.

And because each design is responsibly priced, you’ll inadvertently be heeding yet another of Mom’s favorite adages each time you wear one. 

A penny saved is a penny earned.

Available online at rebeccaandpenelope.com.