Audience members in "The Ring" Debate Centers had a chance to voice their opinions on some of the industry’s most pressing issues with the help of their hand-held, electronic voter keypads. Here’s a look at the final results:

Ethical Dilemmas in the Jewelry Industry

Should the diamond industry take responsibility for not taking action sooner to resolve the conflict diamond problem? (135 total votes)

83%   Yes, we should acknowledge past harm and take responsibility, but point to the Kimberley Process as proof of present and future commitment.
17%   No, we’ve addressed the problem; refuse to take responsibility for actions that are in the past.

Is it ethical for a supplier to avoid reporting the slow payment habits of a retailer to the Jewelers Board of Trade, for fear of losing an account? (100 total votes)

63%   No
16%   Yes
21%   Maybe, if they’re otherwise a good customer.

Should gem dealers – and their customers – buy gems from Burma? (116 total votes)

45.7%   No, never under any circumstances.
35.3%   Yes, if the gems are cut elsewhere, which doesn’t violate the U.S. import ban on Burmese products, then it’s acceptable.
19%   I have never heard of these problems.

Is it ethical to copy a design at the request of a customer, assuming you make minor changes to avoid infringing the copyright? (128 total votes)

41.4%   Yes
58.6%   No

Would you buy a “knock off” in another industry? (120 total votes)

32%   Yes
71%   No
9%   Uncertain

Unsafe working conditions in developing countries are leading to an epidemic of occupational diseases, such as silicosis, among lapidary workers. Should jewelry suppliers take action against this? (121 total votes)

81%   Yes
6.6%   No
12.4%   I’ve never heard of this issue and it doesn’t concern me or my company.

The Great Internet Debate

How do you feel about the Internet? (122 total votes)

82.8%   Love it.
10.7%   Hate it.
6.6%   Don’t care.

Is your business:

23.8%   Retail
23%   Wholesale/Manufacture/Designer
14.8%   Both
38.5%   Other
(122 total votes)

What kind of Web site do you have? (117 total votes)

39.3%   Marketing site only
20.5%   Retail store with online transactions
12%   Other (B2B site, password protected, etc.)
28.2%   No Web site

Considering your time, as well as investment, have you made money on your site? (98 total votes)

47%   Yes
53%   No

Do you think diamonds are cheaper online than in a retail store? (119 total votes)

78%   Often
22%   No

What do you do when consumers come in with Internet diamond prices? (67 total votes)

25.4%   I match the price to get the sale.
43.3%   I hold my price, even if it’s higher.
31.3%   I try to trade them up to something better that costs a bit more.

Are you in favor of requiring e-commerce sites to collect sales tax? (123 total votes)

50%   Yes
50%   No

What kind of site do you believe consumers prefer for buying fine jewelry? (114 total votes)

78.1%   Web site of well-known jewelry retailer with stores
13.2%   Internet-only retailer
4.4%   Online auction site
4.4%   Other

How do you feel about diamond manufacturers selling directly to consumers through their own Web sites? (97 total votes)

29.9%   I’m fine with it.
70.1%   They should not be competing with their bricks-and-mortar customers.