Recently a new group of layered planar and quasi-planar metamaterials has emerged which promise unique electromagnetic properties. Layered metallic microstructures could play a special role in future technology, as they can be manufactured on a sub-optical wavelength scale and can be fabricated using established microelectronics technologies. We have begun a predominantly experimental study of planar and quasi-planar metallic microstructures, a new generation of metamaterials for optical applications. We will concentrate on various chiral planar metamaterials fabricated on the optical wavelength scale.