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The Legend of Why Mom Deserves a Diamond

$12.95

The Legend of Why Mom Deserves a Diamond tells the remarkable story behind one of America's longest-running mother-appreciation writing contests. Founded in 1993 by jeweler and author Diamond Mike Watson, the contest began as a heartfelt tribute to the adoptive mother who raised him and to the birth mother he spent nearly twenty years searching for. What began with only a few hundred student essays has since expanded into a nationally recognized educational program that has reached sixteen states, inspiring hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, and families.

Through the simple writing prompt, "Why Mom Deserves a Diamond," students are encouraged to express their appreciation with a limited amount of words. Winning children experience an unforgettable moment as they read their essays aloud before placing a genuine gemstone into their mother's hand. While the gemstones become treasured keepsakes, Watson reveals that the greatest gift has always been the words.

Blending memoir and inspiring stories, the book serves as a historical record of the contest itself. It includes a complete listing of every Diamond Winner since the inaugural contest in 1993, a timeline of photographs, the Fly Up program that encourages students to fully live their potential, and fascinating word-statistic charts revealing how generations of children described the people they love most. Together, these features provide a unique record into the language and expressions of young writers.

The Legend of Why Mom Deserves a Diamond celebrates the lasting influence of parents, teachers, and the written word. It reminds readers that appreciation is one of life's greatest gifts.

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.

The most precious gift is not a diamond placed in a mother's hand- it is the words spoken from a child's heart. Diamond Mike Watson.

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2012- A Gift of Love

$39.95
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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.
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2011 – Legacy Edition

$39.95
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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 seeds were launched in red balloons

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.
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2010- Discovered With Great Bliss

$39.95
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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.
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2009- The Encouraging Branch

$34.95
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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.
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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.
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2008- The Crystal Heart

$29.95
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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.
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“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.
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2007- Sparkling Treasures

$29.95
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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.
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2006- Beyond the Goddess Venus

$29.95
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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.
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2005- Words of Love

$29.95
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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.
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2004- Twelve Years of Love

$29.95
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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.
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2003- The Legendary Contest

$26.95
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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.
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2002- 10th Anniversary Greatest Contest

$24.95
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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.
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Are you in this book?

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

Are you in this book?

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

Are you in this book?

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

Are you in this book?

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

Are you in this book?

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

Are you in this book?

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

Are you in this book?

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

Are you in this book?

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

Are you in this book?

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

Are you in this book?

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

Are you in this book?

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