  We discuss of a ring-shaped soft quantum wire modeled by $\delta$ interaction
supported by the ring of a generally nonconstant coupling strength. We derive
condition which determines the discrete spectrum of such systems, and analyze
the dependence of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions on the coupling and ring
geometry. In particular, we illustrate that a random component in the coupling
leads to a localization. The discrete spectrum is investigated also in the
situation when the ring is placed into a homogeneous magnetic field or threaded
by an Aharonov-Bohm flux and the system exhibits persistent currents.
