Kohl’s Jewelry Clearance Guide

Kohl’s Jewelry Clearance Guide

me I actually studied the clearance cases, I walked out with a sterling silver bracelet, originally $120, for under $25. That was the moment I got a little obsessed—and started treating Kohl’s jewelry clearance like a strategy game instead of a casual browse.

This guide is basically my playbook.

Why Kohl’s Jewelry Clearance Is Worth Hunting

In my experience, Kohl’s clearance can beat a lot of outlet and department store prices after you stack all the discounts. The magic is in how their pricing system works:

• Jewelry often starts at 60–70% off MSRP during regular promos.
• Clearance markdowns can take it an extra 50–80% off the already reduced price.
• Then you add coupon codes, Kohl’s Cash, and Yes2You Rewards (now Kohl’s Rewards) on top when eligible.

When I tested this during a holiday weekend, I picked up a pair of 10K gold stud earrings marked down to $84 from $280. After an extra 20% coupon and Kohl’s Cash from a previous purchase, my final out-of-pocket was under $55.

Is every piece a steal? Definitely not. But when you know what to look for, the value can be ridiculous.

How Kohl’s Jewelry Clearance Actually Works

When I first started digging into this, I realized clearance jewelry at Kohl’s follows a pretty predictable pattern.

1. The markdown cycle

From talking with a couple of associates and watching the cases for a few months, here’s what I’ve noticed:

• Initial markdown: Items that don’t sell during big promos get pushed to clearance, usually around 40–60% off the sale price.
• Progressive reductions: Over several weeks, those same pieces can drop to 70–90% off.
• Final call: Eventually, they vanish—either sold or pulled, so waiting too long can backfire.

I tested this with a specific sterling silver gemstone ring I wanted. I noted the style number, checked on it weekly, and watched it go from about $89 to $62, then $41, then finally around $26 before my size sold out. I waited one markdown too long. Lesson learned.

2. Color codes & tags

Different stores can use slightly different stickers, but patterns are consistent:

• Yellow or bright clearance tags: Final-sale type pricing, usually deep markdowns.
• Printed clearance labels: Re-stickered multiple times; more stickers often means it’s near the bottom of its price journey.

When I see a piece with two or three clearance stickers layered on the back of the tag, I know it’s probably as low as it’s going to get.

Where the Best Deals Hide (Online vs. In-Store)

I’ve shopped both obsessively—online and in person—and each has its own sweet spots.

In-store clearance cases

The real treasure is usually in those locked glass cases near the jewelry counter. Here’s what I’ve consistently found there:

• Fine jewelry: 10K and 14K gold, diamond accents, genuine gemstones.
• Sterling silver: Especially from brands like Simply Vera Vera Wang, LC Lauren Conrad, and Sonoma.
• Forgotten seasonal pieces: Think bridal sets after wedding season, or sparkly sets left after the holidays.

One afternoon, I asked an associate if they had “any additional clearance not in the case.” They pulled out a tray from below the counter that had older markdowns they hadn’t rearranged yet. I bought two sterling silver necklaces, each under $15 after stacking discounts.

Moral: Ask. Nicely.

Online clearance section

When I tested the online clearance versus in-store over a few weeks, here’s what I noticed:

• More variety, especially for fashion brands and trend pieces.
• Better size range for rings.
• Easier filtering by metal type, brand, and price.

But… there’s a catch: the online photos sometimes make plated pieces look higher-end than they are. I’ve had costume jewelry arrive that looked a little more "fast fashion" than I expected.

Pro tip: On Kohls.com, use filters for:

• Metal type: “sterling silver” or “10k gold”
• Stone type: “genuine” vs. “simulated”
• Customer rating: I usually start at 4 stars and up

How to Stack Discounts Without Losing Your Mind

Kohl’s pricing can feel like it was designed by a mathematician with a sense of humor. When I tested different combinations, here’s the order that consistently worked best:

1. Start with the clearance price (that’s your baseline).
2. Apply percentage-off coupons (e.g., 15%, 20%, 30%—watch exclusions).
3. Redeem Kohl’s Cash from previous purchases.
4. Apply Kohl’s Rewards (usually 5% in rewards on purchases, credited later).

There are exclusions—fine jewelry is sometimes left out of specific coupons. Always check the coupon’s fine print. I’ve had times where a 20% off didn’t apply to a diamond piece, but worked on sterling silver.

On one trip, I ran the math both ways: buying clearance jewelry first to earn Kohl’s Cash vs. using my Kohl’s Cash on it. Using the Cash on clearance gave me the stronger savings overall.

How to Tell If a Clearance Piece Is Actually Good Quality

I’ve returned enough disappointing jewelry to have a personal checklist now.

Metal & markings

In my experience, these are non-negotiable for pieces you want to last:

• Sterling silver should be stamped `925` or `STER`.
• Gold should show `10K`, `14K`, or `585/750` for higher karats.
• Plated items often say `GP` (gold plated), `GEP` (gold electroplated), or `RGP` (rolled gold plate).

I keep a tiny jeweler’s loupe in my bag (yes, I’m that person) so I can actually read the stamps on clasps and ring shanks.

Stones & settings

I gently test prongs with a fingernail. If a stone wiggles at all, I skip it. The cost of fixing a setting at a local jeweler can easily wipe out any savings.

For cubic zirconia or crystal pieces, I’m more forgiving—but I avoid anything where the stones already look cloudy under store lighting. They’re not going to get prettier at home.

Brand cues

Some Kohl’s-exclusive brands I’ve had decent long-term results with:

• Simply Vera Vera Wang – sleek, modern designs, especially in silver.
• LC Lauren Conrad – cute, dainty styles; best as fashion jewelry, not heirlooms.
• Sonoma Goods for Life – simple, everyday basics.

For long-wear pieces I want to keep for years, I lean toward sterling silver or solid gold, even if they’re smaller or simpler.

When to Shop Kohl’s Jewelry Clearance for Maximum Deals

Timing matters more than I expected. After tracking prices across a few months, I saw patterns.

• Post-holiday: Late December through mid-January. Tons of overstocked gift sets and fine jewelry get pushed to clearance.
• After Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day: Jewelry-heavy seasons end, and unsold romantic or “Mom” pieces are marked down.
• End of summer: Bridal and occasion pieces start dropping if they didn’t sell during wedding season.

Kohl’s quarterly sales, friends & family events, and credit-card-holder promos sometimes stack with clearance, but not always. I’ve gotten some of my best scores on random weekday mornings when I was literally the only person at the counter.

Pros and Cons of Kohl’s Jewelry Clearance (From Someone Who’s Returned Stuff Too)

I’ve had wins and flops, so here’s the honest breakdown.

• Huge discounts on fine and fashion jewelry if you’re patient.
• Stackable savings with coupons, Kohl’s Cash, and Rewards in many cases.
• Easy returns in store if you’re not thrilled (within their return policy window).
• Good selection for gifting—sets, boxed items, and classic designs.

• Inconsistent quality on plated and fashion pieces—some look luxe, some feel flimsy.
• Overinflated MSRPs: The “original” price can be more marketing than reality, a common practice that’s been criticized across department stores.
• Exclusions on coupons for certain fine jewelry items.
• Hit-or-miss selection depending on store location and season.

When I tested long-term wear, my sterling silver and 10K gold clearance finds have held up really well. The cheaper plated stuff? Some lasted a year or two; some tarnished fast. I treat fashion jewelry as short-term fun, not forever pieces.

My Personal Strategy for Scoring the Best Pieces

Here’s the playbook I follow now whenever I walk into Kohl’s or open the app:

1. Check online clearance first. I filter by metal type and star ratings, add contenders to my cart, but don’t check out yet.
2. Visit my local store. I head straight to the jewelry counter and ask if they’ve got any additional clearance trays.
3. Inspect in-person pieces closely. I look for real-metal stamps and solid settings before I even think about price.
4. Do the math on my phone. I plug in coupon codes (if they apply), calculate after-tax, and compare in-store vs. online final totals.
5. Use Kohl’s Cash strategically. I burn Kohl’s Cash on clearance jewelry when I can—it feels like free bling.

The day I combined all of this, I walked out with:

• Sterling silver hoop earrings
• A delicate gemstone pendant
• A simple gold band ring

All three together rang up under $80, with a receipt showing over $300 “saved.” Was the original pricing a little theatrical? Absolutely. Did I still get solid, well-made pieces for under $30 each? Also yes.

If you treat Kohl’s jewelry clearance like a treasure hunt—with a calculator—you can absolutely win.

Sources

• Kohl's Official Jewelry & Accessories Page - Brand selection, pricing structure, and current promos
• Federal Trade Commission: Jewelry Guides - Rules for marketing and describing jewelry materials
• Consumer Reports: How to Buy Fine Jewelry - Guidance on metals, stones, and quality indicators
• Forbes: How Retailers Use Discounts To Influence Shoppers - Background on retail pricing and discount strategies
• Harvard Business School Working Knowledge: The Psychology Behind Retail Discounts - Research on how sales and markdowns are structured