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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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                                    FORM 8-K

                                 Current Report

                             Dated November 16, 2004

                                       of


                                ZALE CORPORATION

                             A Delaware Corporation
                   IRS Employer Identification No. 75-0675400
                            SEC File Number 001-04129

                            901 West Walnut Hill Lane
                               Irving, Texas 75038
                                 (972) 580-4000




[  ]   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
       (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ]   Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Securities Act
       (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[  ]   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) 12 under the
       Securities Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[  ]   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) 12 under the
       Securities Act (17 CFR 240.13e-2(c))






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Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

         On November 16, 2004, Zale Corporation issued a press release reporting
its financial results for the first fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2004. A
copy of the press release is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated
herein by reference.

         The information set forth under this Item 2.02 and in Exhibit 99.1 is
being furnished and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall it be deemed
incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except
as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.







                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.




ZALE CORPORATION
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Registrant


Date:    November 16, 2004          By: /s/ Cynthia T. Gordon
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                                    Cynthia T. Gordon
                                    Senior Vice President,
                                    Controller
                                    (principle accounting officer
                                    of the registrant)


                                 Exhibit Index

99.1              Press Release of Zale Corporation issued November 16, 2004.