From Heiress to Hustle: How Olivia Rotch is Redefining Luxury with Her Sustainable Jewelry Brand, Relic

Published in Business and Finance on Friday, August 22nd 2025 at 4:28 GMT by Business Insider
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Olivia Rotch’s life story reads like a fairytale – born into a prominent banking family, educated at prestigious institutions, and seemingly destined for a traditional path of privilege. However, the daughter of former J.P. Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has carved her own unique trajectory, forging a successful career as the founder and creative director of Relic, a sustainable jewelry brand that’s quickly gaining traction within the luxury market. While acknowledging the advantages afforded by her upbringing, Rotch is actively using her platform to champion ethical sourcing, conscious consumerism, and a more responsible approach to luxury goods – proving that legacy doesn't have to dictate destiny.

Relic isn't your typical jewelry brand. It’s built on a foundation of reclaimed materials and a commitment to transparency. The pieces are crafted from vintage diamonds, recycled gold, and ethically sourced gemstones, breathing new life into discarded treasures. This focus on sustainability wasn’t an afterthought; it was integral to Rotch’s vision from the very beginning. "I felt like there was this huge disconnect between what luxury meant and how it was being produced," she explains in a recent interview with Vogue Business. “There's so much waste, so many ethical concerns within the jewelry industry. I wanted to create something that felt beautiful and luxurious but also aligned with my values.”

Rotch’s journey towards Relic wasn’t entirely straightforward. After graduating from Harvard University, she initially pursued a career in finance, working at both Goldman Sachs and her father's former company. While these experiences provided valuable insights into the business world, they ultimately left her feeling unfulfilled. "I realized I wanted to be building something creative," she told The Wall Street Journal. “Something that felt more personally meaningful.”

The inspiration for Relic struck during a trip to Antwerp, Belgium, renowned as the diamond capital of the world. Witnessing firsthand the scale of diamond trading and the potential environmental impact sparked an idea: what if luxury jewelry could be created using existing materials? This realization led her down a rabbit hole of research into antique jewelry dealers, vintage gemstone suppliers, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Relic’s aesthetic is distinctly modern, blending vintage charm with contemporary design. The pieces are characterized by their understated elegance, often featuring unique diamond cuts and intricate detailing that reflect the history of the materials used. While the brand caters to a high-end clientele, Rotch actively strives to make Relic accessible through transparent pricing and educational content about its sustainable practices.

The brand’s success isn't solely attributable to its ethical ethos; it also benefits from Rotch’s savvy marketing and understanding of the evolving luxury landscape. She leverages social media platforms like Instagram to connect with consumers, showcasing the craftsmanship behind each piece and sharing stories about the origins of the materials. Relic has cultivated a loyal following among conscious consumers who appreciate both the beauty and the integrity of its products.

However, Rotch is acutely aware of the privilege that comes with her background and actively works to address potential criticisms. She acknowledges that her access to capital and networks significantly eased her entrepreneurial journey, something many aspiring business owners lack. "I'm very conscious of the fact that I started from a place of incredible advantage," she stated in an interview with Forbes. “And it’s important for me to use that privilege responsibly.”

Relic’s commitment extends beyond sustainable materials and ethical sourcing. The company partners with organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and supports initiatives aimed at improving working conditions within the jewelry industry. Rotch also emphasizes transparency, openly sharing information about her supply chain and manufacturing processes.

Looking ahead, Olivia Rotch envisions Relic continuing to expand its reach while staying true to its core values. She plans to introduce new collections featuring innovative sustainable materials and explore collaborations with other ethical brands. More importantly, she hopes to inspire a broader shift within the luxury industry towards greater responsibility and transparency.

Olivia Rotch’s story is more than just a tale of a privileged heiress finding her passion; it's a testament to the power of conscious consumerism and the potential for businesses to drive positive change. Relic represents a new generation of luxury – one that prioritizes sustainability, ethics, and transparency alongside beauty and craftsmanship. It’s a brand built not just on diamonds and gold, but on a commitment to a better future.

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From Heiress to Hustle: How Olivia Rotch is Redefining Luxury with Her Sustainable Jewelry Brand, Relic

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