To Craft or not to Craft...

...Jewelcraft, that is.

Server: Shadow Council (US) - RP
Author: Kelidara (58 Blood elf death knight)
Achievements of Note:

• Artisan Skinning!

So... I want to craft jewelry. Actually, no. Let me rephrase that. I want to prospect gems out of ore. That's the real reason why I want to be a JC. But... I'm deliberating. I took mining and skinning because I need money for my flying mount - and I'll need money to support my two adopted blood elf twins. So... argh. I can't decide.

Option 1: Keep skinning and mining forever.

Pros:

• I can sell ore and bars and get lots of money!
• I can save the old world leather (since it doesn't sell for much) and give it to Kelirien for LWing.
• It's probable that the Outlands and Northrend leather will sell for a decent amount.
• I gain crit chance and stamina from the two professions

Cons:

• Booooooooooring.
• Nothing for me (except money)!

Option 2: Get Mining (and Skinning) to 300 and get enough money for flying mount, then drop Skinning for JCing

Pros:

• I still get to sell the ore and bars for money and get my flying mount.
• I still get to send my old world leather to Kelirien for LWing.
• Prospecting! (eventually)
• I can make jewelry for the twins (and me!)
• I can send extra jewelry to Keleili to DE for her enchanting

Cons:

• I have to go back and mine Copper --> Thorium again to level up JCing
• This puts off my arrival in the Outlands
• JCing WILL cost some money
• Is JCing viable in Northrend? (armor with gem slots aren't as common)

Option 3: Drop skinning NOW and pick up JCing

Pros:

• Don't have to backtrack as much to mine for JCing
• Prospecting (NOW)!
• Get to Outlands sooner (than option 2)
• Make jewelry for myself and the twins
• Send extra jewelry to Keleili for (eventual) DEing for her enchanting

Cons:

• Will cost money
• Won't get money from selling ore and bars
• Won't get any more leather for Kelirien's LWing
• Is JC viable in Northrend?