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