Shell solid, ovate-acuminate, last whorl about as long as the spire. Sculpture: A bead-row along the fasciole, and frequently another along the suture, separated by a broad furrow ; the base is cancellate with radial and revolving cords. Protoconch smaller and less elevated than that of Turris or Inquisitor, of two smooth turbinate whorls, set a little obliquely, and from one aspect appearing bulbous. Fasciole ascending the spire in the middle of each whorl. Notch broad and shallow. Outer lip not inflected ; canal very short. Pillar a little twisted. Operculum of the turrid type.

In general appearance this genus approaches Clavatula, to which indeed the type species was originally assigned. The operculum here noted in the case of E. striata, and previously described by Sir J. Verco for E. perksi and E. quoyli, however excludes it. In the pattern of the sculpture Gemmula has some likeness to Epideira, but the post-nepionic sculpture separates it. A near relation is Bathytoma, from which Epideira is separable by sculpture, shorter canal, taller spire, more numerous whorls, and straighter columella.