Holding 'The Rock', a 228.31-carat pear diamond is Christie’s international head of jewellery, Rahul Kadakia. Source: Christie's

“The Rock”, at 228.31 carats, is the largest white diamond to ever hit an auction block. It's been in the hands of private owners for the last 20-years.

Red Cross diamond is designed as a distinctive pavilion forming a Maltese cross and will be auctioned for the third time since it was unearthed around 100 years ago.

The diamond received its name after it was first auctioned in 1918 for the benefit of the British Red Cross Society and the order of St. John which uses the symbol of the Maltese Cross.

Rahul Kadakia, international head of jewellery at Christie’s