Words of love to explain why mom needs diamond

Nine Orange County teachers will be looking for a gem this month when they judge thousands of essays submitted by county students as part of the Why Mom Deserves a Diamond contest.

Newport Beach’s Gallery of Diamonds jewelry store is hosting its 16th annual poetry contest challenging students to submit their best essay on why their mom deserves a diamond. The winning students will be given a ¼ carat diamond for their mom on Diamonds Day, March 1. Last year, 553 teachers from 161 schools submitted more than 15,000 essays. Nine county teachers will make the final choice. Since 1993, nearly 250,000 kids have written words honoring their moms.

Two winners will be chosen, one from first- through fifth-grade and one from sixth-grade to 12th-grade.

The last day to enter the contest is Jan. 17. For more information go online to www.galleryofdiamonds.com or call (949) 476-2000.

— Joseph Serna