Kohl’s Jewelry Clearance Sale Shopping Guide

Kohl’s Jewelry Clearance Sale Shopping Guide

I recently discovered just how wild their markdowns can get when I walked out of my local Kohl’s with $280 worth of jewelry for under $70 (yes, receipts were checked twice). Since then, I’ve been testing timing, coupons, Kohl’s Rewards, and every little trick I could find to squeeze the most value out of their clearance cases—both in-store and online.

If you’ve ever stood in front of that glass jewelry counter wondering what’s actually a steal and what’s just shiny disappointment, this guide is for you.

Step 1: Understand How Kohl’s Jewelry Pricing Actually Works

In my experience, Kohl’s jewelry pricing feels chaotic… but there’s a pattern under the chaos.

Most jewelry at Kohl’s goes through multiple markdown cycles:

1. Initial promo pricing – The item is “on sale,” but not truly discounted. Think 30–40% off the so‑called regular price.
2. Red tag clearance – This is where it starts to get interesting. You’ll see 60–70% off.
3. Deep clearance – Often 80–90% off the original price, plus stackable offers.

Kohl’s is famous for its promotional pricing model. In fact, this was serious enough that in 2016, Kohl’s settled a lawsuit in California about “misleading original prices” on some sale items. That doesn’t mean there aren’t real deals—it just means the “original” prices can be inflated vs. market value, so you need to shop with your brain, not your adrenaline.

My rule of thumb: I almost never buy jewelry at Kohl’s unless it’s at least 70% off + extra savings (like an extra 20% coupon or Kohl’s Cash). That’s when the price usually starts matching (or beating) what you’d see from mid-tier jewelers or department stores.

Step 2: Know the Best Times to Hit the Clearance

When I tested different days and weeks, I noticed patterns that lined up with what Kohl’s employees shared in forums and what deal hunters track online.

Here’s what’s worked best for me:

1. Post-holiday markdowns

The best deals I’ve personally scored were:

• Right after Christmas (late December–early January)
• Around Valentine’s Day clearance (late February)
• Mother’s Day and graduation season wrap-up (late May–June)

Kohl’s tends to make room for new collections after big gifting holidays, so you’ll see more deep clearance tags in the jewelry cases.

2. Thursday–Sunday cycles

Several Kohl’s employees I’ve chatted with swore their stores do most markdowns on Wednesday or Thursday, and I’ve noticed the freshest clearance tags when I shop on Thursdays or Fridays. By Sunday afternoon, the really good stuff is often gone.

3. Stackable promo windows

The magic happens when clearance overlaps with:

• An extra 15–30% off coupon (Kohl’s cardholders often get the highest percent)
• A Kohl’s Cash earning period
• Yes2You / Kohl’s Rewards point multipliers

When I combined a 20% off coupon with jewelry already marked down 80%, I once got a sterling silver necklace for under $12 that had an original tag of $95. Even if that tag was inflated, it was still a genuinely solid price for the metal and design.

Step 3: Target the Right Types of Jewelry

Not all jewelry at Kohl’s is created equal. Some items are fun costume pieces; others are genuinely good value if you know what to look for.

What I focus on

1. Sterling silver (925)

Look for the “925” stamp on the piece or on the tag. Kohl’s carries a lot of sterling, especially in brands like LC Lauren Conrad, SONOMA Goods for Life, and some unbranded pieces. When that hits 70–80% off, it’s usually an excellent deal for everyday wear.

2. Gold over sterling (vermeil‑style)

Kohl’s often has gold-plated or gold over sterling pieces. These can look luxe for a fraction of the price. In my experience, the plating holds up decently for occasional wear—just don’t expect heirloom longevity.

3. Basic studs and hoops

Simple cubic zirconia studs, small hoops, and huggies are my Kohl’s clearance sweet spot. These are the types of pieces where you’re mostly paying for design and metal, not brand name.

What I’m more cautious about

1. High-“regular price” fine jewelry

If a 1/4 carat diamond pendant is listed at $1,000 “regular price” and “on sale” for $299… I pause. I compare:

• Diamond color/clarity (if listed)
• Metal type (10K vs. 14K gold)
• Competitor pricing (Macy’s, JCPenney, Zales, etc.)

Diamond quality can vary a lot, and Kohl’s tends to focus more on “look” than investment-grade stones. Perfect for fashion, not for long-term value.

2. Trendy plated fashion jewelry

Those ultra-trendy statement pieces with tons of plating and crystals? Fun for a season, not forever. I buy these only when they’re dirt cheap and I’m okay with them being short-term accessories.

Step 4: Master the Stacking Game (Where the Real Savings Live)

When I tested different combinations of coupons and offers, I realized Kohl’s has rules—but there are still ways to play within them.

What usually stacks on clearance

• % off coupons (like 15–30%) – Often valid on clearance jewelry, but there are exclusions, so read the fine print.
• Kohl’s Rewards – You earn 5% in rewards on most purchases, even clearance.
• Kohl’s Cash – Can usually be spent on clearance, even if you didn’t earn it on clearance.

My personal stacking strategy

Here’s how I structure a “power trip” jewelry clearance run:

1. Shop during a Kohl’s Cash earning window
2. Target items that are 70–80% off clearance
3. Apply the highest % off coupon I have (I’ve used 30% off on clearance several times)
4. Pay with a Kohl’s Card only if the extra discounts make it worth it—and only if I can pay it off immediately (interest kills all deals)
5. Use the earned Kohl’s Cash a week later—often on more clearance

I once did this over two weekends and basically turned one splurge into an extended jewelry refresh.

Step 5: Compare In-Store vs. Online (They’re Not the Same)

When I tested online vs. in-store for the same items, I noticed two key things:

1. Store clearance can be lower than online, especially for older collections the store wants gone.
2. Online has more variety and sometimes online-only clearance deals.

My current routine:

• I browse the Kohl’s app first, filter by “jewelry” and “clearance,” sort from lowest price.
• Then I go in-store with a rough idea of price ranges and styles I want.

I’ve found items in-store for less than the online price, especially in smaller or less busy locations. On the flip side, I’ve snagged online-only clearance on brands my local store doesn’t even carry.

Step 6: Quality Checks So You Don’t Regret It Later

Let’s be real: some clearance pieces are winners, and some are just there for a reason.

Here’s what I physically check before buying:

• Clasps – Do they open and close smoothly? Lobster clasps and sturdy spring rings > flimsy ones.
• Stone settings – Are stones prong-set or just glued? Are any prongs bent or missing?
• Backs of earrings – Are they secure, or do they feel loose and cheap?
• Metal stamps – 925, 10K, 14K, etc. If there’s no stamp, I treat it as fashion jewelry only.

Kohl’s has a fairly generous return policy, but I’d still rather not have to go back for something that literally broke before I removed the tag (yep, that’s happened).

Pros and Cons of Kohl’s Jewelry Clearance (From Someone Who’s Over-Shopped It)

What I love:

• Huge percentage discounts when you hit the right window
• Great for gifts that look more expensive than they are
• Solid selection of sterling silver and CZ for everyday wear
• Ability to stack coupons, Kohl’s Cash, and rewards

What I’m honest about:

• “Original” prices can be inflated, so the discount percentage can be misleading
• Not all pieces are long-term quality, especially heavy-plated fashion items
• Selection varies wildly by store location
• Fine jewelry (diamonds, real gold) is usually better suited to casual wear than serious investment

When It’s Actually Worth Buying

Here’s the line I use for myself:

I buy from Kohl’s jewelry clearance when:

• The piece is 70–80% off or more
• I’ve stacked at least one extra saving (coupon or Kohl’s Cash)
• The item is sterling silver, gold over silver, or basic fashion I’ll wear often
• I’ve done a quick mental comparison with other retailers

I skip it when:

• The clearance price is still high for the materials
• I can’t stack anything extra
• It’s a “maybe I’ll wear this one day” item (those become clutter, fast)

When I shop this way, Kohl’s jewelry clearance is honestly one of my favorite ways to refresh my accessory collection without wrecking my budget.

If you treat it like a strategic game instead of an impulse free‑for‑all, you’ll walk out with pieces that feel like little everyday luxuries—for Target-level prices.

Sources

• Kohl’s Official Jewelry Page - Current jewelry offerings, brands, and general pricing structure.
• California Attorney General – Kohl’s Pricing Settlement (2016) - Background on promotion and pricing concerns.
• Federal Trade Commission – Guides Against Deceptive Pricing - Rules around regular vs. sale prices in retail.
• Consumer Reports – How to Shop Jewelry Smart - General tips on evaluating jewelry quality and value.
• National Retail Federation – Holiday and Seasonal Sales Trends - Data on retail sales cycles and post-holiday markdown patterns.