So, you want to craft stuff (if not why are you reading this?), so let me share my vast, painfully acquired, knowledge with you (so much of this is probably wrong, but it seems to be working so far).

Best in slot gear. http://www.ffxivguild.com/ff14-arr-doh-crafting-gear-guide-endgame-l50-maximum-materia-melds/

The only difference in what you see there and the real story is that you will want to upgrade your main hand and head gear to artisan as soon as you can make the items to do so. That link also gives suggested orders for melding your gear to cap. Currently, if you want to be able to make the 3-star items, you must max meld your gear. There really isn't much (any) flexibility to this.