These precious metals being soft, they first must be made harder in order to become a flute. This is the alloy process and it results in there being many types and grades of silver and gold. Alloy refers to a homogeneous mixture or compound of two or more metallic elements that do not mutually separate, the solid result of this complimentary mix.
Silver alloy is referenced in percentages.
24K is pure gold. Harder 18K and 14K gold, for example, being eighteen or fourteen karats of gold weight in the alloy with trace metals added for hardness. Sterling Silver - Among flute players today, it is the most preferred choice of material. Copper and a unique blend of trace metals add hardness and character to its silver base. Quality handmade instrument makers, as well as student brands all endorse the use of Sterling Silver as having excellent tonal properties and colorful timbres - particularly enhancing overtones in the sound spectrum.