I think chrome gives the shiniest coverage. A good plating job, however, might have multiple layers.
Triple Chrome Plating Process with Nickel, Copper and Chrome | Vernes Chrome Plating

As far as what to chrome on a fork. Some vintage bikes would just have a chrome fork, and painted rest of the bike, although that was often a sign of a replacement fork.

My old Colnago just has a chrome fork crown, with the rest of the bike and all lugs being painted. Cheaper bikes might have had a chrome cap put over the fork crown.

Contrast between chrome and paint is nice, so you might choose to chrome from the crown to the fork tips, then paint the middle section. However, I'd probably also chrome the ends of the seatstays/chainstays.

It is hard to beat the prices on new Asian parts. But, it would depend on the bike. Many people prefer a matching fork frame on vintage road bikes.