Obsidian rings are much better than clawed-knuckle rings. The ac will help more than the extra 10 hp. Save for Jagged Bands once you have other slots with hp.
I played a monk for years, so i'm going to toss out some
loose recommendations based on my knowledge of the current market and game availability for
low to mid levels.
Ears: ?? 2ac ears or 2 str ears at first, Others seem to be expensive. Forgive my lack of knowledge here
Neck: Collar of undead protection 10pp or less.
Head: Fine silk turban drops off of lvl 24 SG in SRO. Best monk head for a long time, otherwise do quests for headbands.
Face: Split Paw Hide is wicked cheap on vendors if you can't find better, otherwise dented mask
Arms: Azure arms sell for around 50pp. You won't find better until kunark or beyond imo.
Gloves: Wu's Fighting gloves. Makes your bare handed attacks magical! (Magic Kung Fu! Wooo-taaa!
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]) Split paw gloves are heavier, but work as magical gloves as well. (And is vendor buyable for less than 5pp)
Rings: Keep the obsidian for now, upgrade to jagged bands / hp rings later
Chest: Lockjaw Vest (lvl 25 named gator in oasis), Your mesh conundrum can be solved by checking vendors in the commons / fp area, but that is a temporary fix in the long run.
Waist: Monk Sash. Do the quests. You'll love it. It's a way of life.
Weapons: Glowing wooden crook is 50-100pp? If you can afford the weight it is nice. Drops off of Lockjaw as well. Save for enameled black maces and use fists otherwise.
Range: Kerran toy quest when you can, otherwise just load up some shurikens for ninja time! Split paw eye is weightless and a light source as well.
IMHO Wu's armor to fill in slots. It isn't expensive in the grand scheme of things, vendor dive at tailors or find some one to make them for you for mats.
Remember, you have a weight soft cap. I can't remember if it is 14 or 16 in classic.
Happy Wushu-ing.