I recently got my ear lobes (yes, just the lobes. Yes, I realize most girls go through this when they are 6.) pierced at Halo and had wonderful experience!
I was extremely impressed with how clean and sterile the environment was, especially since I always thought it used to be pretty dingy looking from the outside (before Frances and Smeeks came around there!). The staff obviously knows their business very well, which made me feel comfortable. My piercer was the fierce Ana who has a habit of talking to you while piercing to keep you at ease. And as someone who is afraid of needles, I appreciated her NOT doing that annoying "1...2..3...here we go!" kind of thing.
I was a bit shocked at the price ($90 for both lobes - how much would this have cost me at Clair's?!). But, when you consider that they used some insane, high grade of medical steel for the earrings and the overall professionalism of the experience, I would say it was worth it.
I went back 2 months later when my holes were healed up and had Ana remove the earrings she had put in there (they are tricky for a beginner!), which was done free of charge.
If I ever get another piercing it will certainly be at Halo!