I was at the mall the other day looking for an anniversary gift for my husband.
We’ve been married for 10 years now and I really wanted to get him something nice.
Zales was one of the stores I checked but I wasn’t thrilled with their selection.
That’s when the idea hit me – why limit myself to just one store?
There had to be other jewelry retailers out there with better options.
So I decided to do some research to find alternatives similar to Zales.
Did you know that Zales is actually owned by the same parent company as Jared and Kay Jewelers?
So if you like Zales’ style, you’ll likely find something you love at those stores too.
Now let’s check out some other top options!
1. Kay Jewelers
Kay Jewelers is one of the most similar stores to Zales.
In fact, they are owned by the same parent company.
So in terms of the types of jewelry offered, their styles will be very comparable.
At Kay, you’ll find lots of diamonds, precious gemstones, watches, and charms – just like at Zales.
While their selections may not be totally identical side by side, you can expect to see similar trendy jewelry and bridal pieces at Kay.
Both shops focus on fashion and designer brands for everyday wear.
Another perk of Kay is their loyalty program.
As you shop, you earn points on every purchase that can be redeemed for future gifts.
Zales also has a points membership.
Flexible financing options are also found at Kay Jewelers, making it easier to invest in a special gift when you need monthly payments.
All in all, if you like Zales’ assortment, Kay is nearly identical since they are under the same ownership.
2. Jared
Like Kay Jewelers, Jared is also owned by the same parent company as Zales so they share many similarities as well.
At Jared, you’ll find a wider variety of designer brands and luxurious pieces compared to Zales.
They cater more towards affluent customers looking to splurge.
However, the overall styles at Jared will be very comparable to Zales.
You can expect to see many diamonds, gemstones, watches and fashion jewelry.
Both shops aim to please different budgets and tastes.
Where Jared differs is in their enormous showroom sizes, often spanning multiple floors of upscale malls.
Their larger displays allow for more elaborate presentations of high-end pieces.
If you like browsing Zales but want options from elite luxury designers, Jared is perfect.
You’ll notice familiar styles at higher price points with names like Tiffany, David Yurman and Harry Winston.
Like Zales, Jared also offers flexible financing to make bigger purchases affordable.
So whether you like diamond tennis bracelets or bejeweled watches, Jared is a more lavish twin of Zales to consider.
3. Tiffany & Co.
While Tiffany &
Co.
is known for its ultra-luxury fine jewelry, there are some similarities it shares with Zales as well.
Both retailers specialize in diamonds and precious gemstones set in precious metals.
At Tiffany, their designs epitomize high-end elegance and timeless style.
Think slim diamond eternity bands, robin’s egg blue jewelry boxes, and signature return to Tiffany bracelets.
Zales also aims to please everyday and special occasion shoppers with diamonds at affordable prices.
So in terms of the type of stones offered, there is overlap between the two.
Their store environments also parallel each other – both showcase glittering gems against plush displays.
Customers can browse seemingly endless options surrounded by luxury.
Where Tiffany differs is in their superior craftsmanship and attention to design detail.
Everything from their engagement ring solitaires to simple pendants exude high quality.
So while pricier than Zales, Tiffany remains a top choice for investment pieces, heirloom gifts and celebrating major milestones in serious style.
4. Helzberg Diamonds
Helzberg Diamonds is similar to Zales in that they focus on fine jewelry essentials like engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
Both retailers cater to shoppers looking for premium but affordable options.
Their showroom environments also share similarities – lush designs showcasing sparkling gems and metals.
Helzberg and Zales aim to transport customers to a luxurious shopping experience.
Where Helzberg stands out is in their diamonds expertise and customer service.
Staff undergo extensive gemological training to help clients select the best stones for budgets.
They also have innovative services like their 10X Zoom technology, allowing customers to view diamonds with unprecedented clarity and precision.
Helzberg prices also compete well against Zales.
Shopping events and financing offers make splurging achievable too.
Overall their selections may not be identical, but both retailers pledge great customer experiences and quality jewelry at fair values.
So Helzberg is a great alternative when you want knowledgeable service with your sparkles.
5. Nordstrom
While Nordstrom is primarily known as a high-end department store, it shares some similarities to Zales within its jewelry departments.
At Nordstrom, you’ll find beautiful jewelry collections from prestige brands just like at Zales.
Both offer distinguished names like Tiffany, Michael Kors and Vera Wang.
They also cater to shoppers looking to purchase gift-worthy pieces for all occasions.
You can rely on Nordstrom and Zales to have options for engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings and more.
Beyond the designer brands, their styles also run parallel.
Think glamorous tennis bracelets, charm necklaces and cocktail rings perfect for any event.
Where Nordstrom differs is the sheer scale of its locations, housing jewelry alongside dresses, shoes and home goods.
Selections are also often pricier than at Zales.
Still, Nordstrom jewels make beautiful keepsakes.
And their shopping perks like a generous return policy and loyalty program and similar to Zales’ membership offerings too.
So while a department store primarily, Nordstrom’s sophisticated gems satisfy like browsing favorite fine jewelry chain Zales.
6. Kendra Scott
While known for being more fashion-focused than Zales, Kendra Scott shares some similarities that make it a great alternative.
Both retailers aim to please jewelry lovers on all budgets with trendy and classic styles.
Kendra Scott is particularly loved for its colorful gemstone pieces like stacks of miniature stones glued together.
This offers a more youthful and vibrant option compared to Zales’ predominantly diamond and silver selections.
Their price points also run parallel – offering affordable luxury from $50-$200 that won’t break the bank.
Zales is equally affordable with frequent sales and financing offers too.
Customers can expect to find comparable categories like bracelets, necklaces and earrings at both retailers.
And their store environments give a pleasantly upscale experience surrounded by sparkling gems.
So Kendra Scott is perfect for spicing up Zales-approved styles with gorgeous hues and intriguing mixes of gems.
Their designs infuse personality to any ensemble in dreamy and distinctive ways.
7. Blue Nile
While Blue Nile operates solely online unlike Zales’ physical stores, there are still similarities in their offerings.
Both retailers specialize in helping customers find the perfect engagement ring or fine jewelry through their diamond expertise.
At Blue Nile, you have the ability to custom-design your own ring from the comfort of home.
Zales allows for some customizations in store too.
This provides more personalization options beyond read Made items.
Their impressive collections of conflict-free diamonds and precious gemstones also overlap.
Both ensure quality and values through high standards and ethical sourcing.
Financing choices make bigger purchases affordable too, like Zales’ payment plans.
And their informative websites guide shoppers with educational tools and virtual try-ons.
So although an e-commerce brand, Blue Nile’s specialized services for engagement rings and custom fine jewelry parallel what inspires customers at Zales.
It remains a top online-only option when you want expert guidance with serious sparkle.
8. Macy’s
While known primarily as a department store, Macy’s fine jewelry departments share similarities with Zales.
Both retailers offer a wide selection of designer brands in one convenient location.
Expect to find established luxury names like Tiffany,Michael Kors,and Coach displayed with pride.
Styles will also crossover between the two stores.
Shoppers can browse dazzling diamonds, traditional gold chains and fashionable bracelets without compromising on quality.
Their physically large stores let you immerse yourself in gem-studded glamour across expansive counters too.
Customers appreciate browsing luxurious presentations of jewelry surrounded by beauty.
Where Macy’s differs is its scale – housing various categories under one roof.
But both ensure hassle-free returns, loyalty perks and special promotions for savings.
So whether preferring a one-stop boutique like Zales or mixed shopping, Macy’s provides a department store twist on the fine jewelry experience in dazzling and designer-filled ways.
9. Overstock
While Overstock operates primarily as an online retailer, it shares similarities to Zales through its selection of fine jewelry.
Both retailers aim to provide customers with high quality, name brand pieces at affordable prices.
At Overstock, you’ll find many of the same designers offered at Zales such as Pandora, Michael Kors, and Tropical, just to name a few.
Categories also overlap between engagement rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
Shipping and returns are free, making online shopping as easy as visiting a Zales store.
And special promotions throughout the year help stretch budgets further, similar to Zales’ sales.
An advantage of Overstock is the sheer volume of inventory available on its website.
Customers can browse an impressive selection of jewelry without leaving home.
So if you love Zales but want a wider selection to choose from, Overstock replicates the quality brands and pricing in an expansive online marketplace.
It’s a top alternative for comfortable gem shopping anytime.
10. Etsy
While Etsy marketplace primarily features handmade and vintage items, it shares some similarities with Zales for unique jewelry finds.
Both offer special, non-traditional pieces you can’t find everywhere.
At Etsy, you’ll discover one-of-a-kind designs from independent artists and designers.
This provides a more personalized shopping experience compared to mass-produced chains.
Zales also carries some indie brands.
Categories overlap as well, from engagement rings, necklaces, earrings and more.
Price points also run parallel, usually $50-$500 depending on materials.
Both aim for accessible fine jewelry prices.
Stylistically, Etsy jewels showcase more independent artistry through materials like wood, crystals, leather and mixed metals.
Zales offers this too to some extent among traditional types.
So while business models differ, Etsy ensures a browsing experience that feels similarly niche and special.
It serves as a top online marketplace when prestige isn’t the priority – just a unique, handcrafted find.
11. Signet Jewelers
Signet Jewelers is actually the parent company that owns both Zales and Kay Jewelers brands.
So in many ways they are very similar stores.
Both Zales and Kay Jewelers focus on offering fashionable fine jewelry and watches at accessible price points.
Their selections consist of prominent designer names and precious gemstones.
Customers can also find equivalent store experiences with shining displays, knowledgeable staff and specialized services such as mining, custom design and financing options.
Additionally, Signet Jewelers aims to centralize functions like merchandising, marketing and real estate management between the two chains.
This ensures cohesive branding, quality and consistency across locations.
The only major differences are store branding and individual promotions.
But ultimately both Kay and Zales strive to be premier shopping destinations for life’s memorable moments under one trusted corporate umbrella.
So in the bigger picture, shopping at a Zales or Kay can feel quite similar since they fall under the same parent retail organization and vision.
Customers get dual access to elegant fine jewelry.
12. James Allen
While James Allen operates entirely online unlike Zales stores, there are similarities in their jewelry expertise:
Both are renowned for custom made engagement rings and wedding bands, working with clients to design their perfect piece.
Online 3D configurators and consultations provide a personalized experience.
Wide selection of conflict-free diamonds and precious gemstones are available at different price points.
Customers can choose from loose stones or finished rings.
Quality and craftsmanship are highly valued, using reputable jewelers and manufacturers.
Lifetime free resizing and cleaning services ensure satisfaction.
Educational resources like diamond guides and jewelry glossaries inform decisions.
Shoppers appreciate the knowledgeable customer support.
Affordable payment plans make bigger purchases achievable.
Flexible refund/exchange policies ease the online shopping experience.
So while exclusively e-commerce, James Allen competes with Zales’ exceptional fine jewelry services.
It provides an expert digital alternative for customized engagement rings and fine pieces.
13. Brilliant Earth
Like Zales, Brilliant Earth is admired for its ethical and sustainable jewelry options:
Both offer a wide selection of conflict-free and lab-grown diamond jewelry.
Customers can feel good knowing their purchase supports responsible sourcing practices.
A focus is placed on engagement rings and wedding bands.
Stylish yet meaningful designs suit commitments large and small.
Educational resources and knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions.
Shoppers appreciate the transparent gemological information.
Flexible payment plans and money-back guarantees create low-risk shopping experiences.
Returns and exchanges can be easily managed too.
While an online brand, Brilliant Earth replicates the luxury of browsing glittering pieces through high-quality photos and videos.
Overall the commitment tovalues aligns Brilliant Earth with conscious customers of Zales.
It provides an elevated fine jewelry option for those seeking ethical and eco-friendly alternatives.
14. Shane Co.
Though a regional chain located primarily in the western US, Shane Co.
shares key similarities with national retailer Zales:
Both offer a wide assortment of fine jewelry from engagement rings to necklaces, bracelets and earrings by top designers.
Customers can expect knowledgeable staff and specialized services like jewelry repair, appraisals and financing options.
Store environments feature striking displays of diamonds and precious metals in luxurious settings.
Quality and value are highly emphasized through fair pricing and certification of gemstones.
Lifetime free cleaning, inspection and warranty programs protect investments long-term.
Promotional events and membership programs provide savings opportunities all year round.
So whether shopping Zales nationwide or Shane Co.
out West, the seamless shopping experience and commitment to customer satisfaction through fine jewelry achieves consistency across stores.
15. Jewelry Television (JTV)
While JTV operates primarily as a television shopping channel, it shares similarities to Zales’ business model:
Both offer around-the-clock access to new jewelry through their major shopping platforms.
Customers can browse and buy conveniently anytime.
Wide ranges of diamonds, gemstones, necklaces, bracelets and more from designer brands are available at varying price points.
Knowledgeable hosts and sales associates educate viewers/customers on product details, styles and how to care for pieces.
Flexible payment options, money-back guarantees and warranty coverage make purchases low-risk.
Promotional sales and special pricing events throughout the year maximize savings like Zales rewards members.
So whether browsing in-store at Zales or tuning into JTV, the 24/7 shopping access, expert information and peace of mind for jewelry lovers provide seamless luxury from these major retailers.
The television shopping experience may differ, but both aim to satisfy customers with shining selections and satisfying service.
16. Sterling Forever
While Sterling Forever focuses on stacking rings unlike Zales’ broader selection, there are similarities in their models:
Both aim to make jewelry accessible through affordable yet well-designed pieces.
Sterling’s stacking rings start at $35.
Fast shipping and free returns within 30 days provide convenient low-risk shopping.
Zales also strives for quick and easy service.
Trendy and minimalist styles appeal to younger clienteles looking to express themselves through accessories.
Zales stocks fashion-forward options too.
Stacking multiple slim bands allows customers to grow meaningful collections over time.
Zales encourages layering jewelry as well.
The companies prioritize on-trend designs that customers will love and want to wear daily.
Style and value are both emphasized.
So while a digital-first brand, Sterling Forever competes with Zales’ fashion aesthetic and mission to make sparkly pieces part of approachable, everyday wardrobes.
17. Bonanza
While Bonanza operates as an online marketplace rather than a single retailer, it shares similarities to Zales shopping experience:
Customers can browse a wide variety of fine jewelry from top brands all in one centralized location, similar to Zales’ store selections.
Sellers undergo a vetting process to ensure quality products are sold.
Both prioritize consumer trust.
Engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets and more diamond/gemstone pieces populate the sites at different price points.
Educational content and customer service support purchases through the buying process like Zales associates.
Return and exchange policies create risk-free shopping for items that don’t suit tastes or sizes.
Payment options and coupon codes for deals make jewelry affordable and accessible online.
So whether browsing Zales directly or marketplaces like Bonanza, customers can feel confident in their fine jewelry finds through extensive vetted options and similar shopping perks.
Whether seeking designer brands, unique handcrafted pieces or custom designs, these alternative retailers replicate Zales’ commitment to quality, service and value.
Customers have growing choices for browsing dazzling diamonds and gemstones across multiple respected brands all in one place.
And with flexible payment options, educational resources, convenient returns and specialized services like sizing and repairs – the shopping journey feels seamless wherever one decides to browse.
Whether in massive department stores, TV channels or independent boutiques, Zales continues leading the way for accessible luxury through fine jewelry.
But these various competitors showcase how the market continues expanding possibilities for finding life’s memorable accessories.
The opportunities to indulge inner sparkles have never shone so brightly.
