IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
CrimeFeb 16, 2018
Infamous Jewel Thief Doris Payne Is Getting Her Own Biopic
She will be played by “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Westworld” actress Tessa Thompson.
A still from the trailer for the 2013 documentary “The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne.” Codeblack Films, a division of Lionsgate, now is reportedly producing a biopic about the famed jewel thief.
New York--Infamous jewel thief Doris Payne is getting her own biopic in which she will be played by “Westworld” actress Tessa Thompson.
The actress, whose credits also include “Thor: Ragnarok,” “Creed,” and “Dear White People,” confirmed the news in a Feb. 13 tweet.
After chasing Doris and her story for years— and then keeping this secret for awhile— I’m screaming that this dream is coming true. She is a deeply fascinating woman. So pleased to bring this story to the screen with CodeBlack & Lionsgate. Beyond grateful. https://t.co/GMfigAdwy4
— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) February 13, 2018
Variety reports the currently untitled project will be produced by Codeblack Films, a division of Lionsgate.
According to the story, the film is slated to be a “high-concept action-drama” like “Catch Me If You Can,” the movie featuring Leonardo DiCaprio that centered on teenage con artist Frank Abagnale, or “The Thomas Crown Affair,” in which a rich bank executive steals a Monet.
Lionsgate did not respond to a request for more information by press time.
Payne’s career of snatching jewelry from stores spans decades; the now-87-year old has a criminal record dating back to the 1950s.
Her M.O. was to enter a jewelry store posing as an affluent woman and ask staff to see a variety of pieces, charming and distracting them until they forget how many were out and she could walk away with one or two pieces.
In the 1970s, Payne stole a 10-carat diamond ring from Cartier in Monte Carlo. She was later caught by police but was let go when they couldn’t find the ring.
Most recently, Payne pleaded guilty to shoplifting at a Georgia Walmart to avoid jail time.
WATCH: The 2013 documentary “The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne” trailer
{youtube} 69xEABSq5O4{/youtube}
Her life already has received the documentary treatment with the release of “The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne” in 2013. In it, she describes many of her crimes in detail.
Variety reported in 2009 that Halle Berry was slated to play Payne in a new film, but the project never got off the ground.
If Thompson’s Twitter account and reactions are any indication, many people are very intrigued by Payne and excited about the prospect of a biopic.
But Jewelers Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy told National Jeweler that he worries how it might portray Payne.
“I hope any media item or show about Doris Payne doesn’t try to glamorize her or make her stealing seem like fun,” Kennedy said. “The victims she has stolen from over a lifetime are hard-working jewelers who have suffered financially and emotionally due to her unrepentant life of theft.”
He added, “Reality would portray her life as a disgrace.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
I believe completely in artistic freedom, but I hope that the sordid truth of her lifelong criminal activity is made clear.”
More on Crime
The Latest
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s GardenThe “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Windsor Jewelers Names New Buying DirectorNatalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
