{Business} Ramona Singer’s Art Deco Jewelry

You may know her as the manic mom on Bravo’s hit TV show, The Real Housewives of New York. And yes, Ramona Singer is definitely Type-A. But whether you jeer her or cheer her, it’s that over-the-top drive that helped Ramona escape her troubled upbringing and achieve her dream: A fashion career in New York City. FOF talked to this wife, mother and businesswoman about what it takes to make it. Plus we got a glimpse at her lovely new jewelry line for HSN. It will be featured on HSN this Sunday at 3 – 5 a.m. E.S.T. and 3-5 p.m. E.S.T.

Enter to win these gorgeous earrings (worth $299) by commenting, below!

Where did you grow up?

Stratford, New York–a very rural area.  My backyard was apple orchards, deer and squirrels. My dad was an engineer for IBM, but most of our neighbors were farmers.

Did your mom work?

She got married when she was 18–she was pregnant with me. Then she had three more kids right away. I was her little helper—the laundry, cooking, cleaning.

Did you go to college?

I went to the fashion buying and merchandising  program at FIT, and then I transferred to Albany State for business. I was always a worker—I actually put myself through college.  After two years, my father said, ‘You’re just going to get married and have babies, I’m not going to pay for any more school.’ So I declared myself independent, got loans for school and worked two jobs while I got my degree.

How did you become so driven?

My parents had an abusive relationship—physically and emotionally. My mom would always say to me, “Don’t end up like me. You have to make your own money. Follow your passion.” And I always loved fashion…

What influenced you to like fashion?

My mother. Everyone else in Stratford was wearing jeans and t-shirts, and I was changing  my nail polish every day to match my dress! I would sew my own clothes because my father was very frugal.

What was your first business in New York?

Closeouts. Clothing closeouts. I started it in my 30s and I worked like crazy. When I married my husband I had a million dollars in the bank.

When did you meet Mario, your husband?

Not till I was 37.  I was a dater and a skater.

So you would run from commitment?

I was always picking men who were cold and aloof and then trying to get their attention. Before Mario I was in a serious relationship for five years with a man who would never commit. I finally worked on myself and got out of that.

Good for you. And how did you meet Mario?

He saw me the first time at the gym wearing one of those crazy 80s workout outfits—the leggings  with the g-string.  Remember?  Later, he saw me in a restaurant and asked me out. We’ve been married for 18 years. We just renewed our vows.

What made you do that?

I see a lot of couples who get divorced when their kids go away to college.  They don’t know what to do with themselves. Now my daughter is 16, and she’s getting more independent and I realized she’s going to be gone in a few years. I need to focus on my relationship with my husband and reaffirm my commitment.

When did you start the jewelry line for HSN?

After I started doing [Real Housewives], that got my adrenaline going—my creativity. I wanted to be on HSN, so I cold-called them, and they suggested I design a high-end jewelry line with real diamonds and gemstones

So you design it?

Yes. It’s modeled after my favorite style: estate, art deco jewelry.  Things that are classic but always in style.  You can wear them for 30 years and pass them to your daughters.

What’s your favorite piece?

I love them all! They’re like my children. But in the September collection I love the gold vermeil peices and the signature cuff bracelet. The wider, wood cuff is also great.

What’s the single most important thing you’ve learned in your career?

My mother was right. To be successful, you have to be passionate about what you do. You have to love it.

Enter to win Ramona’s lovely art deco HSN diamond hoop earrings by leaving a comment, below: What’s your favorite guilty-pleasure television show?

Thank you for entering. This contest is now closed.

0 Responses to “{Business} Ramona Singer’s Art Deco Jewelry”

  1. DJBilis says:

    My favorite show is Absolutely Fabulous

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  2. mabolf says:

    When I do indulge(which is hardly ever), I have to admit, I like to lay back and enjoy the housewives!

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  3. kms says:

    Love Love Love Housewives of NY! I watch all the Housewives shows!

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  4. LindyBelle says:

    I absolutely adore these earrings and would love to win them. One of my favorite guilty pleasures is watching Revenge: incredibly beautiful homes and scenery and simply diabolical and seemingly soul-less characters.

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  5. pboyd3 says:

    Big Bang Theory! It’s tight, witty and sarcastic. And I love Deco Jewelry! My Grandmother left me some really cool and classy peices. I like to pair rhinestones with blue jeans, it’s an unexpected look that I always get compliments on. I love the new pieces!

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  6. Ruth Roscoe says:

    Rachel Ray, I am a terrible cook but, learning even at this FOF age, also very interesting guests.

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  7. Cheryl says:

    I absolutely love Dancing with the Stars. I also watch NCIS/Law and Order/CSI and other police procedurals. I like solving puzzles and they fulfill that need for me. Ramona’s jewelry is very beautiful. Kudos to you Ramona for having the courage to cold call HSN and to turn your vision into a beautiful line for all women to enjoy.

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  8. cindy ward says:

    Hard to say what the fav show is but I watch every house I can. We do not watch regular TV but stream over the internet, hi tech stuff, just to see how it works. Good stuff though. I enjoy watching ncis, house, dancing with the stars and many older shows like I love lucy, adam 12 how old is that one?lol

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  9. Claudia Mcgee says:

    my favorite guilty-pleasure is watching True Blood 🙂

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  10. couponmom says:

    I love jewelry, my guilty-pleasure is adding to my collection.
    So I would love to win these FAB earrings to add to it.

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  11. Maureen says:

    I love RuPaul’s Drag Race, even if I could never be as pretty as all of those men!

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  12. GR says:

    Guilty Pleasure tv? Project Runway..(it was the Real Housewives of NYC..didn’t miss an episode the first two seasons..) and recently GLEE. omg.

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  13. Dorothy Borgese says:

    I love House. His sarcasim is refreshing. I love how it all gets solved in the end and you learn a little something too.

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  14. Maggie Jirouschek says:

    how pretty, I would love to own these beautiful earnings

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  15. bonnie says:

    brother and sisters

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  16. Jeanette H says:

    My goodness, these earring are just exquisite!!
    If I must confess, my guilty pleasure is GLEE.
    I never thought I would enjoy a show like this
    like I do…… but I do!!

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  17. Brenda says:

    I would love to win these for my mom! She would love them. They are beautiful.

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  18. Anna says:

    I love all your jewelry. Can’t wait for ny housewives, your the best

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  19. laurie staffeld says:

    My favorite guilty pleasure show is All My Children, starting watching in jr. high and still do whenever I get a chance.

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  20. Kimberly says:

    When I have time to watch TV, it is the show Dancing With The Stars.

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  21. Valerie says:

    NCIS….Is my guilty pleasure, and sometimes sneak in anything on Lifetime!!

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  22. susan troche says:

    My guilty pleasure shwo is Wendy Williams Show. “How you doin?”

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  23. Sandy says:

    When I have time, I love both NCIS flavors, and CSI Miami as well as CSI New York (Gary Sinise is yummy!). Thanks for the offer. Hoop earrings are the best!

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  24. Kathy says:

    Beautiful!

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  25. Arty4ME2 says:

    Oh that has to be The Rachael Zoe Project on Bravo! I love seeing the clothes, the latest styles, and Zoe daily life.

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  26. Linda Mahmarian says:

    My most recent guilty pleasure is the reality show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians. My husband’s family is Armenian and my daughter has so much of her dad’s heritage in her appearance just like the Kardashian girls. I love the way the whole family sticks together even though they are all so unique.

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  27. gail ciprello says:

    I MUST HAVE THESE EARRINGS, I HAVE JUST TRANSITIONED FROM SMALLER EARRINGS. I NEVER WATCHED SEX AND THE CITY I SAW BOTH MOVIES AND I AM HOOKED. THE CHARACTERS ARE SO ALIKE WITH THE GIRLS I WORK WITH, WE HAVE BECOME SUCH GOOD FRIENDS AND SHOPPERS. WE GIVE OUR HONEST OPINION ON WHAT LOOKS GOOD, ONE GOOD FRIEND HAS SINCE MOVED ON TO A NEW CAREER. BUT WE STILL KEEP IN TOUCH AND HAVE SPECIAL DATES WITH HER , SHE IS OUR FASHION GURU.

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  28. KT HESS says:

    Ooooo my favorite Guilty Pleasure is watchin “Yard Crashers” dreaming it is my back yard they are fixing!
    Talk about a dreamer 🙂

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  29. Arleen says:

    I LOVE the idea of vow renewals, but don’t personally need it after 30 splendid yrs of being together and 25 official ones as of yesterday. But I DO need these earrings to celebrate my niece’s wedding (her first, age 36) in Mexico over Thanksgiving! It’ll give me that extra sparkle for my outfit, and the only artificial lift I’ll ever put on on my body.

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  30. DebbieAH says:

    My guilty pleasure is RHONY; I’ve never missed an episode, and I can’t wait for the next season! Nothing like kickin’ back with glass of pinot and watching the wives rule Manhattan!

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  31. MARGARIDA says:

    My guilty- pleasure show is “That Seventy Show”. I feel guilty watching this because I pride myself on not watching television.

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  32. Mary Ellen Davison says:

    The Amazing Race because I get to see places that I wish I could travel to, but cannot.

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  33. Sandra Marshall says:

    My very favorite “guilty pleasure” is and always has been watching “The Young and the Restless.” Some evenings I watch the recap that comes on at 11:00pm and this is my time to fade away and forget about stressful things and just relax for sixty minutes. I love the cast and I have followed their story for many years.
    My favorite jewely is also estate-art deco jewelry. I really enjoyed reading your story and these earrings are so lovely.

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  34. Janet Keyser says:

    I like “Dancing with the Stars”. It is so entertaining and fun to watch. They work very hard to keep on task!

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  35. Joanne Vicente says:

    I really wish I had such energy!
    The earrings are gorgeous! I love all sorts of jewelry, but Art Deco is special!

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  36. marcy says:

    my guilty pleasure is FOOD CHALLENGE. LOVE IT

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  37. Patricia Assanowicz says:

    When I went to visit my sister in Florida, she was watching Sex in the City that night, I told her I never saw this show, so we made some snacks and layed in the bed and watched Sex in the City. I could relate to each of the women that were focused on the show, I noticed their little guilty pleasures, shopping, sex, realtionships, true friendships with more than one woman and the bond they had with each other, and being able to talk about anything with each other, well, that is my guilty pleasure the more I watched I felt like I was part of their group. The greatest thing that came out of this show that night was being able to talk to my sister who I do not see that often about relationships, marriage, shopping and our favorite subject Sex. We laughed and cryed, this was my favorite guilty pleasure because I shared it with my sister and formed a closer bond with her, and we found out things about each other we never spoke about, Thanks Sex in the City, that was a night that continues today, love ya sis.

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  38. SuznBob says:

    My guilty pleasure shows are all Housewives brands, Bethenny Getting Married ?, and all CSI brands

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  39. Suzanne says:

    I would say my favorite guilty-pleasure is watching Hell’s Kitchen. It gets out all of my frustration. LOL

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  40. dianetroxell says:

    All of the Real Housewives shows are my guilty pleasure. Some are better than others, but I have to say, being a former California girl, that the Orange County housewives are my favorites. However, Ramona, Bethenny and Alex from the RHONY are also great!

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  41. Connie C. says:

    My guilty pleasure is RHONY. Don’t miss an episode and also enjoy tapping into the talk bubble for all the comments. I absolutely love all of Ramona’s jewelry. Started buying her pieces even before she appeared on HSN (saw her wear them on RHONY)!

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  42. Michele Donay says:

    My Guilty Pleasure Television show is Bravo’s’ Housewives of New York’.
    I honestly have loved this show. I pour myself a glass of wine, light a candle or two, and watch this show. I tivo the show and donot delete it after I watch it. When Ramona and the girls went to St.John, I watched the 3 or 4 episodes about 6 times, because it just made me laugh and feel good.

    My other which is not so guilty is ‘Mad Men’. Love, love the show.

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  43. Kimberley says:

    I love how good you look ….definately Fab over Fifty!!

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  44. Judi says:

    Ramona,
    Your mom was right in her advice. (The earrings would look great on me by the way) Your choice of deco, estate was right on. Stands the test of time.

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  45. Becky Kenlein says:

    I have to say that the Real Housewives is my guilty pleasure show. It’s not the kind of show that I normally like…but I love it and so does my husband. We can’t wait to watch it every week.

    I think I should win this because I just turned 50! What a huge transition! I’ve been very positive about it and am really enjoying this time in my life and can’t wait to see what the future brings!

    Pick me, pick me…lolol…

    Have a wonderful day!!

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  46. Terry Lillian says:

    Love the Housewives on Bravo, they make me laugh and after a long day it’s a nice escape!!!

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  47. Peg says:

    I just can’t get enough of Rachel Zoe. I love fashion and her work ethic!

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  48. Dianna Bryant says:

    Your pieces are really pretty.

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  49. Allison Taylor says:

    I wouldn’t say guilty pleasure, but my pleasure is The NY and OC housewives! Ramona is my favorite housewife. I have a picture of her on my desktop at work to remind me to keep working hard and stay focused! She is a true inspiration to young women. She proves that if you work hard you can get what you want, and still have a good time!

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  50. Jenna Marie says:

    My guilty pleasure show is the Real Housewives. I watch every episode and if I know I am not going to be home, I DVR them. Ramona, I love, love your jewelery line!

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  51. fearlessone says:

    I love all of the Real Housewives but New York is my favorite.

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  52. Bellagio says:

    Romana I love your new line on hsn. I ordered your Peridot earring and can not wait to receive them. Your designs are gorgeous. Love you on HNYC you are the real deal!

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  53. Joanne says:

    You are an inspiration, Ramona!

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  54. admin says:

    Jersey Shore!

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  55. dwinter says:

    Would have to be All My Children…have seen every episode since the beginning. And, of course, RHONY…Ramona you keep exceeding expectations. Way to go!

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  56. Linda Z says:

    There are so many!!! Celebrity Rehab, Housewives of NY & NJ, All my Children, General Hospital, Rachel Zoe

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  57. Patti says:

    My guilty tv show pleasures are all of the Real Housewives shows! I love Project Runway and Top Chef, Hoarders, all of the reality shows. And I love your beautiful jewelry, Ramona! Best wishes for continued success! *lifts a glass of pinot grigio*!!

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  58. Julie says:

    Real Housewives of New York and New Jersey are my guilty pleasures. Luv ya, Ramona. Also loved “Bethenny Getting Married?”.

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  59. MisTeeJ says:

    My favorite guillty-pleasure show is any of the Real Housewives series ~ New York, Orange County, New Jersey, and DC 🙂

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  60. lisa says:

    I enjoyed reading the whole article. Not a big fan of your show. I wish you all the success you deserve!
    Looking forward to seeing your pieces.
    Many more happy and healthy years to you and your family!

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  61. sandy says:

    I have seen some of Ramona’s jewelry on HSN and would love to have a piece of her jewelry, thanks for the chance!!!

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  62. Naruda says:

    These are beautiful!

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  63. sisterjtc says:

    Beautiful jewelry. You are gifted.

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  64. Sunn ymay says:

    I agree that passion and the compassion I learned growing up and work well in the profession of nursing. My favs are many, but right now Castle gets my vote because of the snappy banter and prominently showing a writer working his craft. I belong to 1 writers group and 2 poetry workshops. Diamonds always make people shine.

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  65. Patti says:

    My “go to” show would be Dancing with the Stars. I love dancing, and this show takes me away for just a little while.
    Love the earrings by the way!

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  66. AJB says:

    Project Runway!

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  67. Jen Peterson says:

    I saw these earrings and thought how many outfits I could wear with them. They are unique and different but beautiful.

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  68. Shellie says:

    My guilty pleasure tv show is Mad Men! Love the era, the characters, the ad industry! Love the retro, coolness of it all!

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  69. karen spector says:

    Those earrings are just screaming my name. They are so retro. I would wear them with everything. I love that they have the post with the flip back. The detailed openwork is really artsy. The sparkle of the diamonds adds the right amount of glitz to the lovely earrings.

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  70. bonnie says:

    general hospital

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  71. Mary Jo Manzanares says:

    Timeless and classic, these earrings would be as perfect for every day as they would for an evening out.

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  72. Ida Dunn says:

    My guilty pleasure show would be watching the Cake Boss…just love watching the staff design those beautiful cakes and …they never seem to eat much of what they bake!! I love all the Housewives…and wish them all well in their endeavors.
    Would love to own these ear rings…I have not had the luxury of anything this gorgeous in a long time.

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  73. Kristine P says:

    I love the bachelor shows

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  74. Johnnie Greene says:

    Love them, they are me! I have been wanting some just like these ear rings for quite sometime!

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  75. Veronica says:

    My favorite show – Real Housewifes. Watch all and then watch again. I love these earrings. I have nine earings, 6 in my left ear and 3 in my right. I love the look of the diamond studs I have and have been thinking about getting two more holes. This would just top off my look.

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  76. kim says:

    RHONY of course….love ….love …love Ramona and I watch when she is on HSN…she makes me happy and wish I could pursue my dream of having my own business creating something!!

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  77. JoanneM says:

    I love everything on Bravo! I am a Bravo addict! It is nice to see that there is more to Ramona than they show on the Real Housewives on NYC. She is obviously a shrewd businesswoman and I am sure a lot of people underestimate her. She is smart enough to use that to her advantage..Kudos, Ramona!

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  78. Kathleen says:

    All the jewelry this lady designs is classy and affordable. You can see the passion in the detail and the finished product. I love these earings

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  79. Catherine Kichler says:

    That’s a SIMPLE question…RHONYC!! Can’t wait for it to be back on Bravo! Luv the earrings…Ramona’s jewelry is gorgeous.

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  80. Cynthia Furgason says:

    My guilty pleasure TV shows are reality shows. RHONY ranks up there with my all time favorites. Never miss an episode and watch over and over again. I wish it were on now, it goes by too quick. Ramona is one of my favorites!!!! Also, love to watch the Ladies on Watch What Happens Next!

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  81. Cath says:

    I love the RHOFNYC. I live in a rural area and the only places we can shop are JCPENNEY and WalMart. Watching the show keeps me up to date on clothing and social trends going on in the Big Apple. Living here can be a stagnating experience but when I watch the show I feel like I am connected again. Their lives are surreal to me and I love to share in these experiences that I can only dream about. Someday I will get to New York and experience it first hand, but I will not plan this trip until I have enough money to live large while I am there because anything less would be a disappointment. Some day…Some day…*sigh* Thank you ladies for sharing your life with the average woman!

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  82. Sally England says:

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ramona! I love watching her on The Real Houswives of New York. I am such a reality show fan and I watch everything Bravo has to offer. I think my favorite guilty pleasure show would have to be The Real Housewives of New York. I have never missed an episode! I loved the episodes where Ramona took some of the ladies on a trip to celebrate the renewal of her vows. It was awesome!! I would be so excited to be able to wear Ramona’s jewelry. Thanks for the opportunity.

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  83. DJ says:

    I too was born in New York (on Long Island) then graduated HS in upstate New York, so I have seen both the city and the country. I have moved many times and lived all over the US, but one thing is consistent…women from anywhere LOVE jewelry!

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  84. Robyn says:

    My favorite guilty television show would have to be
    “Sex in the City”. Even though it’s off the air now,
    I watch the DVD collection. I think it was one of the best show’s ever !

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  85. Judy says:

    Real Housewives (all locations!)–of course!

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  86. dawn says:

    Any cooking show, style, or design show! Very pretty earrings

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  87. admin says:

    Definitely “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom” on MTV, altho I’m not sure they can be considered “guilty.” They’re practically public service announcements!

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  88. Carmen Badeau says:

    Definitely my guilty pleasure television show is ALL of the Real Housewives shows on Bravo! I get sooo caught up with all of them! Ramona, love, love, love you and I love your jewelry line!!!

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  89. Birdie S. says:

    my guilty pleasure TV show is REHAB !!

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  90. Birdie S. says:

    Your so lovely I know the collection will be as beautiful as you.

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  91. KMM says:

    I love, love, love the Rachel Zoe Project!

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