The Legend of Why Mom Deserves a Diamond

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.