Zales Return Policy: 30 Days to Return, 60 to Exchange & Holiday Dates
By ReturnClerk · Verified Oct 31, 2026 against 1 official source · next review Nov 15, 2026 · Report a change
Quick answer
30days
from the purchase (shipment) date
At Zales, jewelry can be returned within 30 days and exchanged within 60 days of the purchase (shipment) date, and watches have 30 days 1. Merchandise purchased between 10/20/2026 and 12/24/2026 can be returned through 1/24/2027 1. You can handle a return at Zales.com, but exchanges must be done in a Zales store, and refunds are credited to the same tender as the original purchase 1.
On this page
Zales separates returns from exchanges: you get one deadline to get your money back and a longer one to swap for something else. This guide walks through the deadlines, the items that are final, and how the refund reaches you, based on Zales's published policy.
How long you have
- Jewelry returns: 30 days from the purchase (shipment) date 1.
- Jewelry exchanges: 60 days from the purchase (shipment) date 1.
- Watches: 30 days, counted from the shipping date for online orders 1.
- Gift receipt returns and exchanges: 30 days from the purchase date 1.
For online orders the clock starts at shipment rather than delivery, so check your shipping confirmation date 1.
2026 holiday extension
Zales extends the return deadline for the holiday season: merchandise purchased between 10/20/2026 and 12/24/2026 can be returned through 1/24/2027 1.
Online returns vs. store exchanges
You can handle a return at Zales.com, but an exchange must be done at one of Zales's stores 1. If you ordered online and want a different size or style, plan a store visit within the 60-day exchange window 1.
What condition the item must be in
Zales accepts items in their original condition with all original packaging, instructions and paperwork 1. Watches need to come back with all links 1. If you're returning a ring that was sized to order, Zales refunds the sizing fee once your return is processed 1.
Final-sale items
These can't be returned or exchanged at Zales 1:
- Special-ordered watches
- Custom designs
- Gift cards (except where required by law)
- Jewelry that has been engraved, or altered or modified beyond sizing or stone setting
- Protection plan replacement merchandise
Purchases made using Progressive Leasing also can't be exchanged 1.
How your refund is paid
Zales credits refunds to the same tender as the original purchase 1.
| Paid with | Refund |
|---|---|
| Credit or debit card | Credited to the same account 1 |
| Check | Refund check from the corporate office, mailed within 21 days 1 |
| Cash | Refund check mailed within 21 days if funds are unavailable or the cash refund is greater than $500 1 |
| Gift card | A new gift card 1 |
| Trade-in | Your original trade-in or similar merchandise 1 |
A returned customer check is subject to a service charge 1. On online orders, Zales credits your original payment method but excludes delivery charges 1.
Refund processing takes approximately five (5) business days from the date of the return, and most refunds appear on your card in 5-7 business days, depending on your bank 1.
Returning a gift
A gift that came with a gift receipt can be returned for a gift card or exchanged for other merchandise within 30 days of the purchase date 1. Gift receipt returns exclude purchases made with Progressive Lease 1.
Sending a return by mail
For online purchases, Zales offers a FREE pre-printed shipping label you can request from its returns page 1. Your packing slip also carries a pre-printed return label to SJIX, 375 Ghent Rd., Akron, OH 44333, but that label is not pre-paid, so using it means buying postage from UPS, USPS or FedEx 1.
To avoid delays:
- Mark the reason in the Return Reason column next to each item on the packing slip 1.
- Pack the packing slip and all original documents from your order 1.
- Allow for inspection: Zales's Quality Assurance team checks every return before issuing a refund 1.
Quick tips
- Choosing between a refund and a new piece? The exchange window (60 days) is twice as long as the return window (30 days) 1.
- Holiday shoppers have until 1/24/2027 for purchases made from 10/20/2026 through 12/24/2026 1.
- Skip engraving until you're sure about the piece; engraved jewelry can't come back 1.
Comparing jewelers? See the Kay Jewelers return policy or all store return policies. More Zales guides are on the Zales store page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Zales return policy for jewelry?
Can I return a Zales gift without the receipt?
Zales's policy covers gifts that come with a gift receipt: you can return the item for a gift card or exchange it within 30 days of the purchase date, except purchases made with Progressive Lease 1. The policy page doesn't describe returns without any receipt.
Will Zales refund the ring sizing fee?
How long does a Zales refund take?
Processing takes approximately five (5) business days from the date of the return, and the time it takes to show on your card depends on your financial institution; most appear in 5-7 business days 1.
Can I exchange a Zales online order without going to a store?
No. Zales can handle a return at Zales.com, but exchanges must be done at one of its stores 1.
Sources
- 1Returns and ExchangesZales, text captured Oct 31, 2026
Verified Oct 31, 2026 against 1 official source. Next review Nov 15, 2026.
ReturnClerk is not affiliated with Zales. Policies change and individual stores may apply them differently, so confirm with the retailer before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us or read how we verify.