Doris Payne, 80, an international jewel thief for more than half a century, was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison for swiping an $8,900 diamond ring from a Macy's department store in San Diego.

Payne has told reporters that she began her life as a jewel thief in her 20s and that she has stolen valuables in New York, Las Vegas, London, Paris, Monte Carlo and Tokyo and throughout the U.S. She has several convictions on her record.

Payne was sentenced in San Diego County Superior Court. Hollywood producers reportedly are considering a movie of her life to star Halle Berry.

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-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: Doris Payne. Credit: Associated Press