A jewellery manufacturer produces rings in two metalsgold and platinum. The manufacturer has noted that, over the last three years, the gold rings have consistently outsold the platinum ones by a large margin, even though the designs available in both the metals are exactly the same. This has led the manufacturer to conclude that consumers prefer gold to platinum.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?
(A) Over the last three years, diamond rings have outsold both gold and platinum ones.
(B) Jewellery buyers give more importance to design than to the metal used.
(C) Platinum is easier to maintain than is gold.
(D) Platinum rings take longer to produce than do gold rings.
(E) Gold rings cost considerably less than do platinum ones.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?
(A) Over the last three years, diamond rings have outsold both gold and platinum ones.
(B) Jewellery buyers give more importance to design than to the metal used.
(C) Platinum is easier to maintain than is gold.
(D) Platinum rings take longer to produce than do gold rings.
(E) Gold rings cost considerably less than do platinum ones.