The chandelier I am trying to install has a ground wire and 2 others that are coated in clear sheathing, with no color distinction. Does it matter which wire I hook to the black and white wires coming from the ceiling wiring box?

If it is a newer chandelier, the clear wires are actually marked. In newer units the zip wire is smooth on one side and ridged on the other. Ridged wire goes to neutral, smooth to black. If they are not marked, makes no difference.