Is it acceptable for the couple to pick out the bride-to-be's engagement ring together? I know exactly the kind of ring I want and I know my boyfriend has no idea what to get me - and it would be so embarrassing for both of us for him to pick out a ring that I didn't like, go through the hassle of returning it, etc. I know that personally, I'd rather have him propose and then pick out or order the ring together, but is that the norm these days?
Also - how would I suggest to my boyfriend that that's what I want without dropping too many hints? It's hard to talk about engagement rings without feeling like I'm pressuring him into asking, even though we've talked about it plenty of times. Subtlety is nice, though - so how do you lightly show him what it is you'd prefer?