Make frames capable of framing relics.
copper-> level 1 relic
silver-> up to level 3
gold-> up to level 5
relics that are equipped could be taken out (or picked up) by using a frame on them.
framed relics would then be able to be equipped as well. this would enable people to trade relics to other players, adding things to trade for which also makes respecs less painful (from spellcaster to attack build, to mf etc.)
relics that were equipped from a frame would not lose it and could be taken out again at any point in time.
silver and copper framed relics would be able to be merged at the cube, 3 copper framed relics + 1 silver frame could be merged into a silver framed level 3 relic, and 5 copper (or 2 copper + 1 silver framed relic) + a gold frame to get a level 5 gold framed relic.
add frames to the global loot/key pool. relics might have to be made rarer to compensate for their new utility.