Actually you might want to start a new character. You get some free stuff at various levels through I think around L40. This way you can also learn about the game and take it easy.

Most prices are actually still low. It's just a few rare items that have high prices.

Jewel farming is still worth it but there are other things that have been added that might be good to farm as well. Essences to craft Awakening kits for example. Runes and Artifacts in the ruins. You can run ruins at low levels and farm Victus runes until level 30, where you transition to farming Magna Runes.

I have no idea how long it takes to get fully geared, but a basic set to start you can get immediately since basic pink gear that will get you started in all zones is cheap.

Glintstone aegis seems to start at around 2.5m.