Circular locket, contained within a glazed, gilt-metal setting including a suspension ring on a hinge. On the front of the locket is a miniature, painted on ivory. It depicts a figure representing 'Hope' with a departing warship in the background. There is an empty compartment at the back of the locket, which is lined with silver foil. In the classical tradition, virtues or other abstract qualities were represented by female figures identified by the attributes they hold. Beauty is equated with goodness.