An electrically conductive article that includes a monolithic glass body having a first primary surface; and an electrically conducting element formed in the body. The element includes a discrete layer, or a plurality of discrete layers, of metallic silver. Each layer has a thickness T such that 0.1 μm≤T≤0.5 μm and an electrical resistivity of about 50 nΩ·m to about 2000 nΩ·m. In addition, the element is spaced apart from the first primary surface by a distance D, wherein 0.1 μm≤D≤20 μm. In some aspects, the electrically conducting element and/or the monolithic glass body are configured as an antenna assembly, an optical fiber or a flexible glass substrate.