Bullet Necklas

I saw this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10993&item=4110804172&rd=1#ebayphotohosting

So I had the idea that since I have bullets about the same size, maybe I can make something similar to that. The only thing is, it’s live ammunition, it still has gun powder inside. I really don’t want to just pry the bullet open because I’m afriad I might get shot. Also, there’s rust on it now and I’m soaking it with toothpaste which I heard suppose to remove rust. Anyone know of a safe way to remove gunpowder from a bullet?