Actually Betty, pearl diving still takes place around those islands.
There is a family in Porlamar that has been in the business for over a
hundred years. I bought some lovely pearls from them (but their house
is very difficult to find).
The best luck at shelling I had was on the northwest tip of the island
in Punta Arenas, but I still remember Playa el Agua with great
fondness. I would go back there in a minute!
Sue in Denver