This is SUCH a great idea, I hope someone comments on it soon, I would love to get my fiance and I a pair!

Personally, I hate wooden chopsticks. Growing up, my family always had to make sure that there were plastic ones on hand. I can always taste the flavor of the wood and I hate it.

I know you're looking for something fancier, but I'm a huge fan of the simple bamboo chopsticks that come in packs of 20 or so for something like $3.00. I actually when into an Asian grocery store and asked basically the same question being asked here, and I was pointed away from the $20 set to a pack of the "cheap" bamboo ones. They're lightweight but still sturdier than the disposables that come with take-out, they're not slippery or awkward to use, the bamboo/wood texture makes it easier to pick things up than with metal or lacquered chopsticks, and they do just fine in the dishwasher.
Plus, they're inexpensive enough that if someone accidentally throws some away, or uses one as a paint stirrer, it's not a big deal.

Japanese and other Asian grocery stores usually carry a variety of chopsticks. Japanese stores, in particular, carry really pretty ones - some with geishas painted on them, others with cherry blossoms. I like the lacquered ones (usually wood), they last for awhile. The unlacquered wood ones absorb the flavors of the food after a while - not worth buying.

My mom used to say the kings in China had ivory ones and would test their food for poison by sticking the ivory chopsticks in their food. If the ivory turned black, there was poison in the food.

Try this site - https://www.everythingchopsticks.com/

I second HCI - we have probably thirty pairs of cheap wooden chopsticks that a friend gave us after a potluck and I like them much better than the more expensive lacquered pairs that we've bought in the past. The biggest thing is that they're much more versatile - I can use one to stir sauce or break up egg when I'm stir frying and it *won't melt lacquer into the food*. They're also mix-and-match, so I don't have to try to keep track of all them, and they clean up great.

If you still want something fancy and you're partner is more of a geek-at-heart, ThinkGeek has Lightsaber chopsticks for $10 a pair. :D

I always walk past this cute place in NYC and it looks like they sell online too http://www.happychopsticks.com/

Stainless steel chopsticks are my favorite, and I've introduced them to my brother and boyfriend (total converts). I realize there's hesitancy in using them because the chopsticks appear to be slippery. But there's grooves and indentations that resolve that. They're really easy to clean, no residual food stains or smells, and I pop mine in the dishwasher without any worries. I've had a few wood and lacquered ones slip through the rack and land on the heating element. You can purchase individual spoon/chopstick sets or packs of 5 on Amazon. (http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Vacuum-Chopsticks-Pairs/dp/B003J4NF24/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1354028582&sr=1-2&keywords=chopsticks+metal)

Bamboo (like HCI said) -- I have a set that is over 30 years old, and I use chopsticks almost daily.

I have a pair of walnut chopsticks that my brother carved for me 30 yrs ago. Slightly quirky shape, and an easy diy for anyone with access to any sort of wood.

Here's a suggestion from a Korean who uses chopstick everyday.

When you buy a pair of chopstick, unless you are proficient in chopstick usage, purchase something that is thick and light. Something that has angular grip rather than round grip will be better. They are much easier to use since you can grab it easier and tires your finger less.

Stainless steel is the seemingly most hygienic ones. But you have to make sure they are hollow inside for lighter weight. Don't get those slim ones that are like 3mm wide, because you'll get very frustrated.

I prefer wooden ones, but you have to make sure they are made with proper craftmanship or it could crack or food will seep into the chopstick.

Also there is no one good chopstick. You personally have to try it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001N85L9S/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00

I have these and I love love love them. They're not slippery like some I've tried have been, they're easy to wash, and they don't absorb flavor or anything like that. Also, they're stupidly inexpensive and they look pretty nice.

If you want to spend an arm and a leg, check out Takashimaya for the fanciest Japanese-style (lacquered) chopsticks. I seem to recall they list them under the Japanese name (ohashi) instead of English, so if you can't find them, try that. But if you're in New York, go to Pearl River on lower Broadway for a huge selection: cheap ones, fancy ones, lacquered, plain--you will find what you want and it won't cost you the sky.

That Happy Chopsticks site is ridiculously expensive! I love the steel ones as well, but if you're not proficient with chopsticks, you may have a hard time using them.

The material is less important to me than the point. I find highly tapered chopsticks are much easier to use than blunt end chopsticks, particularly for holding small items or cutting food. The highly decorative chopsticks one finds online are often blunt ended so I opt for plain, sharp ended chopsticks. There's enough opportunity to express some personality and creativity with the chopstick rests instead as their function is not impacted by creative design.

If you're looking for chopsticks to use mostly with noodle dishes, I would recommend the Japanese kind that are tapered toward the end of the chopstick you use with. I've noticed that many Chinese (the bright green plastic ones that you see at Chinese restaurants) and Korean (made out of steel) are straight sticks so it's hard to pick up noodles.

I would recommend going to any Asian market or look online for some Japanese wooden chopsticks. There are some really cheap ones that have cute designs on them but they do wear out easily and the lacquer begins to peel off (especially at the tip of the chopsticks) quite quickly.

I have several pairs of coco wood chopsticks that were relatively inexpensive, ~$4/pair. They're pretty, unlacquered, sturdy.

I got some coco wood utensils at a shop called Nom Living on Columbia Road in London.

They have a virtual store front, called Nom Express, on Ebay. Because I wanted more coco wood chopsticks and spatulas, I ordered them when I got home to California. The shipping was about $8 and my stuff arrived in less than a week.

Ha - this reminds me of some titanium chopsticks I saw years ago. They assembled like a pool cue. High poseur alert, however.

I always buy my chopsticks at World Market (Cost Plus). I currently have a pretty pair of dark, wooden chopsticks that I like very much. They were just a few dollars and have proven durable and comfortable to use. In my experience, the selection at their store can vary from what they offer online, so if you have a location near you, I recommend checking them out. Plus, you get the added bonus of picking them up and seeing if you like the feel of them.

If you are experienced with chopsticks and know what you like (Japanese style v. Chinese Style, lacquered vs. plain bamboo) then get what you like. I agree that for durability and hygiene stainless steel is the way to go but I love my cheap bamboo ones for just about everything. My favorite pair though are the lightsaber ones that I got online. :)

Lacquered ones are a big no as the lacquer chips off with time. Gross, don't want to eat that with my food!

Stainless steel ones are durable but I find them slippery and hard to use for trickier things like noodles and tofu even though I grew up using chopsticks! I also hate the coldness of the metal when you first pick it up. Yes, I am picky!

Wood is durable and comfortable, as is bamboo, but I like bamboo chopsticks better because it is also lightweight, renewable, and naturally anti microbial. Mine are good as new after 7 years. The ones I love are linked by @jenawithonen.

Yesss, I love my stainless steel chopsticks. I'm tough on silverware and chopsticks are no exception.

I LOVE Pearl River. Seriously. I have to make a conscious effort not to go there when I'm broke in the city.

Check out the titanium chopsticks from Snow Peak. I don't have a pair of theirs but I did have one specially made for me with some cool knurling and bead blasted tips. Definitely a conversation piece and titanium doesn't carry any extra flavors with it.

I have antique bone chopsticks that my grandfather brought back when he was in the Korean War. They're lovely, and last forever, so maybe go vintage?

I've had these for couple years:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/green-chopsticks/s638105

I love them!

Here are a couple examples of some unique chopsticks for those interested in something a little more personal and long lasting. All natural handmade, finished with all natural beeswax and coconut oil finish. Also deals on any orders of 2 pairs or more!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123684755/steady-grooves-chopsticks

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123677887/natural-rhythms-chopsticks