STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

So my mother decided that she is going to get me gold chain for my Bday (she thinks every business woman needs one, how cute). I actually think I am getting 2 in different lengths, to layer. I do not want something really plain, but I do not really know what I want. Her only stipulation is that it is a gold chain, no charms or jewls etc. My friend suggested a style, I dont remember the name, long link-shortlink-long link...   Any other suggetions.

figarolo, so far this in my favorite.

What would be a good length for a longer and a shorter chain?