Rowan prepares for ear-piercing store at St. Johns Town Center

Ear-piercing retailer Rowan is exploring a site at St. Johns Town Center near Sephora.

The city is reviewing a permit application for the Larchmont, New York-based company to renovate a 1,405-square-foot space at an estimated cost of $200,000 at 4663 River City Drive, space D-11, which is across the circle from Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant.

The site appears to be the current location of Banter by Piercing Pagoda, next to Kay Jewelers. An associate at Banter said a remodel was expected but was unsure about any connection with Rowan.

DxU Architects of Chicago is the architect.

Rowan says at heyrowan.com that nurses perform the ear piercings and the earnings are hypoallergenic.

It lists more than 60 locations in 29 states. There are two in Florida – in Gainesville and Miami – and one coming soon to Boca Raton.

Rowan says it is "all ears," piercing and changing jewelry for the outer ear. It also sells earrings.

Rowan offers ear-piercing services for all ages, starting as young as 2 months.

The site says that founder Louisa Serene Schneider "wanted only the best for her kids."

That "began her search for a fun, celebratory and safe ear piercing experience for everyone that can also be affordable. And when Louisa didn't find one she founded one."

The site says nurses are trained "to pierce all ages, all needs, and all ear placements.

It does not use piercing guns, instead offering needle piercings and piercings by a special hand pressurized device controlled by the nurses.

The jewelry is made of 14K solid gold, gold vermeil, gold plating over sterling silver, and sterling silver.

The Gainesville Rowan shows piercing starts at $35.