Analyzing the ­shopping habits and ­spending patterns of affluent consumersAt the end of last year, JCK partnered with W ­magazine on a study of jewelry style and purchasing ­demographics among affluent consumers in the fine jewelry and watch market. The survey’s 534 total respondents, the vast majority of whom were women, had a median household income of $159,181 and a median age of 43. Included in that mix were 110 respondents with a median household income of $425,000 and a median age of 49.The findings were clear. In this new “hourglass” economy, successful companies are operating at the extremes: They are selling one-of-a-kind pieces to clients for whom money is no object, or they are aggressively pursuing price-point shoppers, many of whom consider even Walmart above their means. The middle market, with its legions of aspirational consumers, has all but vanished.Beyond wh