SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
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.
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
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
