Dude, seriously.  Essence armor, Silken armor, and the bracers are all worth Artifact 2.  If it were me, I'd go with Silken Armor.  Lowest Essence attunement cost, plus it can be stacked with other forms of armor, to give you even more soak.  I personally would say take it, especially if you're going for armor.  The bracers I could see, if you're going for the hearthstone setting, but then the skin mount amulet would work better, letting you expand your Essence pools.