In World of Warcraft can you socket your items at any time or do you need to be at a high level?

Answer 1

As far as I know, the only items that allow for sockets are a few of the 60+ items. Once you've got one of those items, you can socket it all you want - but the specific item is a prerequisite.

Answer 2

I believe you have to be high enough of a level to equip the item. I'm not 100% sure. To find out if you can socket your items is to simply right click the item and try it.