Project Description

CBS2

2015

Two clever kids in Orange County, each want a diamond to give to their moms on Mother’s Day.

CBS 2’s Kai Goldberg spoke to one of the winners.

“The warm hearth…”

Sunday is Mother’s Day. Instead of flowers, why not diamonds?

“And it’s shiny, and it holds memories.”

Ten-year-old Neha Abbas is honoring her mother in a very special way this year.

“How did she express so intensely and such purity and innocence that she put in those words, and it’s amazing,” said 

Neha is giving her mom Farzana diamonds this Mother’s Day. Neha is the winner of an essay contest put on by Gallery of Diamonds in Santa Ana. With just 22 words, her homage to her mother was chosen as the best out of nearly 20,000 entries.

Just ask Judge Sue Wells.

“They have to really think succinctly. They have to use similes and metaphors and everything that all figurative language and cram it all into something about somebody that they love and care about.”

Neha’s essay sparkles. Just listen.

“The warm hearth that has blazed me into myself. That has brightened the way through darkness. My mom glows with diamond-like radiance.”

The tradition of honoring mom with pencil and paper began in 1993 when Diamond Mike presented the first set of carats.

“I think it’s the sincerity of the contest which makes it so wildly successful.”

As Neha’s mom accepts her shiny new Mother’s Day gift she says she’ll always look at it to reflect on the bond that she shares with her daughter.

“Being chosen to be the diamond winner and those words gonna echo in my ears for rest of my life,” said Farzana Abbas, Neha’s mother. 

If you’re thinking about submitting an essay for next year’s contest, one piece of advice. Get right to the point. Make sure you tell them why your mom is so very special on Mother’s Day.

Reporting from Santa Ana, Kai Goldberg, CBS 2 News.