An imitation pearl of a type originally imported from Italy, usually made by coating the interior of a hollow glass bead with a nacreous or iridescent substance.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in The Times.
Definition of Roman pearl in US English:
Roman pearl
noun
historical
An imitation pearl of a type originally imported from Italy, usually made by coating the interior of a hollow glass bead with a nacreous or iridescent substance.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in The Times.