14K white gold is an alloy created by mixing pure gold (58.5% or 14 divided by 24) with other metals, such as copper (22%), zinc (8%), nickel (7%), or silver (4.5%), to give it a silvery-white appearance. To enhance its whiteness, white gold is typically plated with rhodium, which also provides a brilliant, mirror-like finish. Commonly available in 10K, 14K, and 18K, white gold is celebrated for its luxurious appeal and suitability for fine jewelry, including engagement rings.
However, some people are allergic to the nickel used in white gold in the USA and Canada. European countries and many others have banned nickel in white gold because 15% to 20% of the population have nickel allergies. Nickel-free white gold alloys replace nickel with palladium, which is much more expensive, along with silver, copper, zinc, and other metals from the palladium group.