Billings Artworks developed an alloy called Grammium for Grammy trophies. The company makes and assembles the gold-plated gramophone-shaped awards by hand in Ridgway, Colorado.
The trophy design was reworked in 1990 because the traditional soft-lead construction was vulnerable to damage. Billings replaced it with a stronger zinc alloy, which allowed the trophy to become larger and more durable while retaining its distinctive gramophone form.
A common mix-up is confusing Grammium with the Grammy name itself or assuming the trophies are solid gold. They are gold-plated awards, and each recipient’s name is engraved after the winners are announced. The ceremony often uses temporary “stunt” trophies before personalized awards are produced.