What Color is 24 Karat
24 Karat is a rich, desaturated shade that mimics the lustrous weight of pure metal. It balances the warmth of yellow with earthy undertones, avoiding the harshness of neon brightness. This hue signifies permanence and opulence, appearing distinct from brassier or more synthetic gold tones.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Orange
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #869FDF
- Brightness: 198/255
- Saturation: 40%
Colors That Pair Well With 24 Karat
Complementary
Pair with Portage for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Astronaut for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
24 Karat History
The pursuit of this hue dates back to ancient civilizations, where craftsmen beat raw gold into gold leaf thin enough to adorn sarcophagi and temples. Egyptians associated the shade with the flesh of gods, believing it possessed eternal, indestructible qualities. In the Middle Ages, illuminated manuscripts utilized real metal to reflect candlelight, creating a divine glow that pigment alone could not achieve.
During the Art Nouveau movement, Gustav Klimt elevated this specific shade to iconic status in works like The Kiss. Unlike bright synthetic yellows, 24 Karat mimics the organic, uneven surface of hammered metal. Historically, artists without access to actual gold leaf used mixtures of yellow ochre and raw sienna to approximate this prestigious tone on canvas.
Meaning & Psychology
This shade universally signals success and high status. It triggers a psychological association with abundance and quality, distinguishing itself from cheaper, brassy imitations through its muted saturation. The color radiates a confident warmth, suggesting illumination and spiritual enlightenment rather than mere financial wealth.
Culturally, 24 Karat embodies the concept of the standard, serving as a benchmark for excellence in competitive fields. It evokes feelings of nostalgia for classic glamour and traditional luxury. However, excessive use can shift the perception from sophistication to materialism, requiring careful balance to maintain its air of dignity.
In Nature
While pure metallic gold is a mineral rarity found in veins within the earth's crust, the hue appears organically elsewhere. It manifests in the dry husks of wheat fields ready for harvest and the shimmering wing casings of golden scarab beetles. This shade also mimics the reflective surface of iron pyrite, often confusing prospectors searching for the actual element.
How To Use 24 Karat
In branding, this color functions best as a high-impact accent for luxury goods, spirits, and hospitality. It commands attention when paired with deep charcoal or matte black, utilizing contrast to simulate metallic shimmer. Large fields of this color can overwhelm the eye, so it serves best in typography, borders, or foil stamping techniques.
Accessibility requires caution, as 24 Karat lacks sufficient contrast against white backgrounds for readable text. It functions successfully as a background color for dark text or as a decorative element alongside neutral tones. When used in digital interfaces, applying a subtle gradient enhances the illusion of texture that flat hex codes often lack.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Midnight Gala
A high-contrast luxury palette suitable for formal invitations and evening wear branding.
Harvest Heirloom
Combines the metallic gold with earthy tones for a rustic, autumnal aesthetic.
Imperial Velvet
Rich jewel tones that amplify the regal nature of 24 Karat.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #DFC685;
color: rgb(223, 198, 133);
background-color: #DFC685;
border: 3px solid #DFC685;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #DFC68566;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #DFC685 0%, #ffffff 100%);

Shop Premium Products in 24 Karat
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With 24 Karat?
Explore color palettes containing 24 Karat and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Orange colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to 24 Karat
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for 24 Karat?
What colors go with 24 Karat?
Is 24 Karat accessible for text?
How do I use 24 Karat in CSS?
You can use 24 Karat in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.24-karat {
background-color: #DFC685;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.