• Sold Out

    In 1993, Diamond Mike Watson founded a writing contest in honor of his adoptive mother and the birthmother he had never known. The most creative contestant would receive a diamond. A girl named Margaret claimed her grand prize diamond. Like buried treasure, her enchanting poem sparkled deep within the mound of entries.

    Since then, hundreds of thousands of kids have submitted words of love to the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest. The contest is now in honor of all moms, and all those significant in our lives. 

    Year Highlights
    • First year of contest
    • 7 schools participated
    • 9 teachers participated
    • 250 essays submitted
    • 1 diamond winner
    • 53 garnet winners
    • Grade levels 9-12
    • Maximum words allowed: 100.

    “Tell Michael Watson why your mom deserves a diamond, and he might just give you one.” Orange County Register.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 1994 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    The second year witnessed remarkable growth as 1,425 children shared why their mothers deserved a diamond. Every page preserves a heartfelt moment between a child and the person who helped shape their life.

    Year Highlights

    • 1,425 essays received
    • 38 schools participated
    • Grade level: 7-12
    • 1 diamond awarded
    • 10 sapphires awarded
    • Includes all 211 garnet and sapphire winning essays

    Why You'll Love This Edition As participation expanded, so did the diversity of stories, emotions, and unforgettable expressions of love. This volume captures the contest's earliest momentum and growing impact.

    “What a gift to the world! Thank you from the bottom of a teacher’s heart!”  -Darlene Jagger , teacher.

    “The mother of all Mother’s contests.” The Orange County Register.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 1995 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    By 1995, more than 2,000 children had joined the celebration. The essays became shorter, more powerful, and even more memorable.

    Year Highlights

    • 2,016 essays submitted
    • 37 schools participated
    • Grade levels 4-12
    • Maximum words allowed: 70
    • 1 diamond awarded
    • 40 sapphires awarded
    • 350 garnets awarded
    • Includes all 391 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition This collection demonstrates how a few heartfelt words can carry enormous meaning. Every essay is a snapshot of gratitude frozen in time.

    Order Today Own a piece of the contest's formative years.

  • Sold Out.

    A landmark year in contest history. For the first time, two students were selected as Orange County diamond winners.

    Year Highlights

    • 4,675 essays submitted
    • 105 schools participated
    • First year with two diamond winners
    • Grade levels: 2-12
    • Maximum words allowed: 45
    • 700 garnet winners
    • 30 sapphire winners
  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 1997 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    More than 5,000 essays poured in from children eager to honor their mothers.

    Year Highlights

    • 5,025 essays submitted
    • 91 schools participated
    • Grade levels 2-12
    • Maximum words allowed: 40.
    • 2 diamond winners
    • Includes all 1,002 winning essays

    Why You'll Love This Edition The voices in this volume are heartfelt, humorous, and often surprisingly profound. It showcases a tradition rapidly becoming part of the community.

    Positive words are living things.  When written, they become real. When spoken, they have the power to heal, encourage, and inspire. Throughout our lives, we remember the beautiful words spoken to us.  -Diamond Mike Watson.

    Order Today A beautiful keepsake from a year of explosive growth.

    “The contest is the most selfless and encouraging I have experienced. On behalf of all the teachers, students, moms, and extended families whose lives you have touched, thank you.”  Hilda Sugarman, president. Fullerton Excellence In Education Foundation.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 1998 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    1998 marked a historic breakthrough as the contest expanded beyond Orange County.

    Year Highlights

    • 10,650 essays submitted
    • 97 schools participated
    • Grade levels 1-12
    • 4 diamonds awarded
    • 2,087 gemstone winners
    • First national diamond winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition This book captures the moment a local tribute transformed into a national movement.

    Order Today An essential volume for collectors of contest history.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 1999 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    A national phenomenon emerges.  Participation surges as the contest is expanded to Indiana, Texas, and the entire state of California.

    Year Highlights

    • 14,150 essays submitted
    • 116 Orange County schools participated
    • Maximum words allowed: 30
    • Grade levels 1-12
    • 5 diamonds awarded
    • 2,380 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition The stories become broader, richer, and more representative of families from every background.

    Order Today Experience the year the contest firmly established its national presence.

    “A happy, heart-felt, almost super-human endeavor for a company who wants kids to be sure to tell their moms that they love them.” -Dorothy Jean, Writer.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2000 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    Entering the new millennium, this anthology reflects unprecedented participation and enthusiasm.

    Year Highlights

    • 20,047 essays submitted
    • 99 Orange County schools
    • Grade levels 1-12
    • Maximum words allowed: 29
    • 265 schools outside Orange County
    • First time 8 diamonds awarded to California, New York, Ohio, Texas, Indiana, and Michigan
    • 2,840 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition A remarkable time capsule capturing hopes, dreams, and family values at the dawn of a new century.

    Order Today One of the most sought-after editions in the series.

    “You have made a positive impact in thousands of children's lives in the way you wanted to honor all mothers." -Grenadier Horizon.

    “The mission: Encourage kids to appreciate their mothers.”  -Costa Mesa Breeze.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2001 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    Thousands of children took time to reflect on the women who shaped their lives.

    Year Highlights

    • 15,933 essays received
    • 103 participating schools
    • Maximum words allowed: 29
    • 3 diamonds awarded
    • 2,800 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition The essays reveal powerful expressions of appreciation that remain timeless today.

    Order Today A treasured volume celebrating the enduring bond between mother and child.

     “The greatest tribute to mom in the nation.”  -Instore Magazine.

    “A gift no amount of money can buy.”  -The Orange County Register.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2002 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    The Power of Appreciation.  This edition showcases the growing maturity and creativity of contest participants.

    Year Highlights

    • 10,017 essays submitted
    • 114 schools participated
    • Maximum words allowed: 29
    • Grade levels 1-12
    • 3 diamonds awarded
    • 3,037 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition A wonderful collection of stories demonstrating how gratitude can be expressed in countless ways.

    Order Today Add this inspiring volume to your collection.

    ”You have not only created fond memories between my children and I, but also embraced me with such a marvelous acknowledgement of my hard work, dedication and love.  I feel so humble and honored. You inspire me to be nothing but the best role model and best mother I can be.”- Bich Ngoc Nuyen, winning mom.
  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2003 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    A Record-Breaking Year.  Participation reached extraordinary levels.

    Year Highlights

    • First hardcover edition
    • 24,850 essays submitted
    • 162 schools participated
    • 957 teachers participated
    • Maximum words allowed: 27
    • 3 diamonds awarded
    • 4,070 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition One of the largest and most influential years in contest history.

    Order Today An exceptional keepsake from a truly historic year.

    “A national tradition in which thousands of kids can express their feelings, while taking the time to reflect on the importance of their moms.”  Professional Jeweler.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2004 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    The year that inspired newspaper headlines and unforgettable stories.

    Year Highlights

    • 26,514 essays submitted
    • 782 participating teachers
    • Maximum words allowed: 27
    • 3 diamonds awarded
    • 4,155 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition This anthology includes entries from a year celebrated for extraordinary writing and national attention.  Also includes essay of  Honorable Mention, Brielle Saracini, whose father was the pilot of the plane that crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11.

    Order Today A cherished volume from one of the contest's most memorable years.

    “An awesome assignment, a great learning experience, and a challenge that could be met at any level. All children come away with a feeling of pride and self-accomplishment.” -Craney. Teacher.

    “The largest Mother's Day essay contest in the nation.” -National Jeweler.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2003 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    National publications praised the contest as one of the most successful Mother's Day programs in America.

    Year Highlights

    • 22,629 essays submitted
    • 861 teachers participated
    • Grade levels 1-12
    • Maximum words allowed: 27
    • 3 diamonds awarded
    • 4,230 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition Filled with remarkable stories, heartfelt tributes, and unforgettable expressions of love.

    Order Today A standout edition from the contest's golden era.

    When President Diamond Mike Watson of Gallery of Diamonds started a Mother’s Day contest in 1993, he was fulfilling a wistful dream. Though adopted as an infant, Watson was searching for his birth mother and dedicated the contest to her as well as to his adoptive mother. -Professional Jeweler.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2006 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    Year Highlights

    • Company moves to Newport Beach
    • 16,781 essays received
    • 552 teachers participated
    • Maximum words allowed:
    • Grade levels 1-12
    • 3 diamonds awarded
    • 4,489 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition A milestone year combining growth, change, and tradition.

    Order Today Celebrate a pivotal chapter in contest history.

    "The Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest is by far the highest-profile, most successful to date."  Instore Magazine.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2007 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    This emotional year honored the life of Martha Watson with the first heart-shaped diamond award.

    Year Highlights

    • 15,521 essays received
    • 505 teachers participated
    • Maximum words allowed: 25
    • Grade levels 1-12
    • Heart-shaped diamonds awarded in honor of Martha Watson
    • 4,000 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition One of the most meaningful and emotional volumes ever published.

    Order Today A touching collector's edition filled with heartfelt memories.

    “If a picture is worth 1,000 words, what are 25 words worth?” Orange County Register.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2008 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    The contest's mission expanded beyond prizes to encourage kindness, appreciation, and reflection.

    Year Highlights

    • 16,148 essays submitted
    • 167 Orange County schools participated
    • 535 teachers participated
    • Grade levels: 1-12
    • Maximum words allowed: 25
    • 2 diamonds awarded
    • 5,000 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition A beautiful reminder that words have the power to strengthen families.

    Order Today An inspiring keepsake celebrating the importance of gratitude.

    ---

    “We appreciate all the effort you put into this beautiful contest, and because the whole purpose is to share all the love that you have in your heart with other human beings.” Luz Vazquez. 2008 Diamond Mom.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2009 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    What began as a humble tribute blossomed into a national celebration touching millions.

    Year Highlights

    • 19,734 essays received
    • 214 Orange County schools participated
    • 52 schools outside Orange County
    • 694 teachers participated
    • Maximum words allowed: 25
    • Grade levels 1-12
    • 2 diamonds awarded
    • 6,300 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition A volume filled with some of the contest's most heartfelt and mature writing.

    Order Today Own a book from one of the program's most influential years.

    ---

    In 1993, Diamond Mike Watson founded a writing contest in honor of his adoptive mother and the birthmother he had never known. The most creative contestant would receive a diamond. A girl named Margaret claimed her grand prize diamond. Like buried treasure, her enchanting poem sparkled deep within the mound of entries.

    Since then, hundreds of thousands of kids have submitted words of love to the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest. The contest is now in honor of all moms, and this book is the story of how the largest mother’s appreciation contest in the nation was created.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2010 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    This year's theme emphasized the healing and inspiring power of positive words.

    Year Highlights

    • 21,655 essays submitted
    • 705 teachers participated
    • 25 teachers were contest judges
    • Grade levels: 1-12
    • Maximum words allowed: 25
    • 2 diamonds awarded
    • 8,113 gemstone winners

    Why You'll Love This Edition A remarkable collection demonstrating how language can uplift and inspire.

    Order Today One of the largest and most impactful anthologies ever produced.

    “While creating the largest Mother’s Day essay contest in the nation was not Michael Watson’s intention, sharing an appreciation and love for all mothers certainly was.  Without a doubt, he has succeeded.” -National Jeweler Magazine.

    Positive words are living things.  When written, they become real. When spoken, they have the power to heal, encourage and inspire. Throughout our lives, we remember the beautiful words spoken to us.  -Diamond Mike Watson.

     

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2011 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    For almost two decades, children from across America shared why their mothers mattered.

    Year Highlights

    • 19,750 essays submitted
    • 610 teachers participated
    • 8,140 gemstone winners
    • First diamond awarded to a first-grade student
    • Pink carnation seed balloon program launched

    Why You'll Love This Edition A celebration of nearly twenty years of memories, appreciation, and family connections.

    Order Today A milestone edition worthy of every collection.

    “I really enjoy watching my students labor over their entries for this contest. We all do this from our hearts.” -Robin Williams. Teacher.

  • Are you in this book?

    Contains all winning essays and unforgettable moments from the 2012 Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest.

    The closing chapter of an extraordinary publishing legacy.

    Year Highlights

    • 19,125 essays submitted
    • 511 teachers participated
    • Maximum words allowed- 22
    • Grade levels 1-12
    • 7,529 gemstone winners
    • Final Mother's Book anthology published
    • Expanded integration into the Common Core curriculum

    Why You'll Love This Edition The final anthology in the series. It represents the culmination of twenty years of children's voices, family memories, and a national tradition dedicated to honoring mothers.

    Order Today Once remaining copies are gone, no new editions will ever be printed. Own the final chapter of this remarkable story.

  • In 1993, Diamond Mike Watson founded a writing contest in honor of his adoptive mother and the birthmother he had never known. The most creative contestant would receive a diamond. A girl named Margaret claimed her grand prize diamond. Like buried treasure, her enchanting poem sparkled deep within the mound of entries.

    Since then, hundreds of thousands of kids have submitted words of love to the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond® contest. The contest is now in honor of all moms, and this book is the story of how the largest mother’s appreciation contest in the nation was created.

    Included is a time-line of photographs, word charts, and the history of the contest.  Learn about the culture of enhancing creative writing skills while preparing kids for a lifetime of success.

    The book also shows the evolution of the FlyUp program, in which Diamond Mike has lectured to thousands of school kids about achieving their dreams.

    A great keepsake for adults, teachers, children, and every parent of a Why Mom Deserves a Diamond gemstone winner.

  • A Legendary Story of Perseverance.

    Moon Over Mountains: The Search for Mom is a powerful memoir of adoption and the lifelong quest to discover one's origins. In this deeply personal narrative, Diamond Mike Watson recounts his twenty-year search for the woman who gave him life.

    The end of his journey revealed a shocking discovery: his birthmother had died before he could find her. Before her death, she carried a secret to her grave- her baby had been born dead.  For nearly four decades, while a family grieved a child they believed had never lived, that child was alive, searching for a family who never knew he existed.

    Born in Indianapolis in 1958 and adopted at three days old, Watson was raised by loving adoptive parents in Southern Indiana. Although he felt loved, two questions forever haunted him - Who am I and where did I come from?

    Beginning as a teenager armed with only his birthmother's name, a hospital bill, and a long-forgotten address, Watson embarks on a decades-long journey of dead ends and sealed records. His quest for one person transforms into the remarkable reunion of an entire family separated by decades of secrecy and loss.

    Moon Over Mountains also offers insight into the history of closed adoptions in America and the challenges adoptees face when seeking access to their own records. Blended with lessons about forgiveness and the unconditional right to know where we came from, the memoir is enriched by vivid childhood memories and humorous adventures. Readers interested in adoption memoirs and family history will find this book deeply moving.

    At its heart, Moon Over Mountains is a story of love -the love of a mother who raised a child, the love of a woman who made the difficult decision of relinquishment, and the love that inspires a son to spend a lifetime searching for the truth.

    The conclusion of Watson's journey unfolds into the beginning of yet another- the search for his missing sister, Deborah Kay.

    Moon Over Mountains continues to be an unparalleled chronicle of human spirit and a testament that all things are possible through intention and perseverance.

  • The Winning Words Collection forever captures your child’s winning essay into tangible keepsakes.

    Printed on a single  9.5" X 11" vintage-inspired parchment paper, the collection includes 4-in-1 certificates:

    • 5” x 7” certificate • 2" x 4.75" Bookmark • 2" x 3" Wallet-size certificate • 1 " x 1.5" Miniature certificate for Words in a Bottle.

    Included is: • 10 ml Glass bottle with glowing starstones, and

    Photos shown are samples for inspiration and presentation only and do not include frames.
    For us to find your child’s winning words, please tell us: •your child's name, •the approximate year and grade they won, and •the school they attended.  In Orange County, we have every winning essay since 1993. 
    After being charged with sunlight or bright indoor lighting, the starstones glow for several minutes and continue to shimmer for hours. The starstones are created with safe and non-toxic materials. Since the bottle is glass and contains small components, it is not appropriate for small children.
    Comes in a protective box to ensure safe delivery and to prevent bending.
  • In a collage of mind-blowing and whimsical stories, master storyteller Diamond Mike Watson will amaze you as he reveals the secrets of unlimited possibilities. You will never look at the world the same way again.

    Read about:

    • the experiments of little Marcus Wilson
    • the dangerous roller coaster
    • the wisdom of a carnival robot fortune teller
    • the impossible math problem
    • the insect from outer space
    • And many more!

    For the school classroom, adults, or for a good bedtime story, you will find yourself reading these tales over and over again.

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