you could go with it when ever ya like. only came across two quest that share there doing with the main quest line. but the doing of it would only have you keeping said item gained in your inventory longer.
the dawnguard quests line wont start till you make the effort to begin it save after lvl 10 random attacks by vamps
so they run prety independent of each other.. i would grab it before you start another toon it will be less likely to mess with your save file having it there from the start of things then adding it too your present lvl 30 toons save
you can finish both straight hough either or mix things up do both together. only difference is stated above. untill you chose too begin things and maybe random npc talking of the vamp/dawnguard