Yamaha YFL-312GL Flute With .925 Sterling Silver Head, Gold Plate Lip Plate & Case

The 300 Series Sterling Silver Headjoint.
Sterling Silver .925 is the jewelry quality standard in most world markets. Yamaha YFL300 series flutes have a solid sterling silver headjoint with brass crown; and nickel silver body with silver-plated keys.
– Why is it called Sterling Silver? Sterling Silver .925 containes a minimum of 92.5% 'fine .999 silver' and 7.5% of other metals (usually copper).
– Why is Solid Sterling Silver .925 used and then silver plated on the top?
Although Solid Sterling Sterling is harder and stronger than fine .999 silver [so it's better for an intermediate flute], sterling silver tarnishes more easily compared to silver plate [because of the other metals / copper content], so Yamaha silver plate the Solid Sterling Sterling head to prevent discoloration.
– Do Yamaha use a Sterling Silver hallmark on their instruments?
Due to the global nature of their business, Yamaha tend not to hallmark sterling silver.