The size and thickness of European gold and Chinese gold is essentially the same. The big difference is the density, also measured as weight of gold per 1000 lvs. With our Eurpoean leaf we can offer a variety of gram weights to suit the needs of your specific project. Gram weight is determined by the weight of 1000 leaves of 3 3/8 inch square gold leaf. This relates more to 'density' of leaf rather than thickness. Each leaf is beaten to approx. 0.5 microns thick. Whether you purchase European gold leaf or Chinese, the size (3 3/8" sqr) and thickness (0.5 microns) is standard. The weight changes by the amount of gold content per leaf. So a Chinese 23kt gold leaf weighs 14 grams per 1000 lvs, and is therefore less dense than an Italian gold leaf, weighing 16 grams. The European leaf will be firmer, is less likely to tear and may show less wrinkling in the final product (depending on your gilding technique). European leaf is perfectly suited for exterior gold applications and any project that requires a higher level of luster and brilliance.