Giant diamond expected to fetch $30m at auction - in pictures

A Christie's auction house member of staff displays the giant diamond, nicknamed The Rock, in Dubai on March 25. All photos: AFP
A Christie's auction house member of staff displays the giant diamond, nicknamed The Rock, in Dubai on March 25. All photos: AFP
The diamond is a 228.31-carat pear-shaped gem, which was mined and polished in South Africa more than 20 years ago.
The diamond is a 228.31-carat pear-shaped gem, which was mined and polished in South Africa more than 20 years ago.
The Rock will be on display in Dubai from March 26 to 29. It will then travel to Taipei, New York and Geneva, Switzerland, where it will be auctioned on May 11.
The Rock will be on display in Dubai from March 26 to 29. It will then travel to Taipei, New York and Geneva, Switzerland, where it will be auctioned on May 11.
A closer look at The Rock.
A closer look at The Rock.
It is expected to fetch up to $30 million at auction.
It is expected to fetch up to $30 million at auction.
It is the 'largest existing D-Z colour pear-shaped diamond ever graded' by the Gemological Institute of America, Christie's said.
It is the 'largest existing D-Z colour pear-shaped diamond ever graded' by the Gemological Institute of America, Christie's said.
The diamond is on display at Christie's, Dubai.
The diamond is on display at Christie's, Dubai.