There is herein described a method of making a single crystal wavelength conversion element from a polycrystalline wavelength conversion element, a single crystal wavelength conversion element, and a light source containing same. By making the single crystal wavelength conversion element from a polycrystalline wavelength conversion element, the method provides greater flexibility in creating single crystal wavelength conversion elements as compared to melt grown methods for forming single crystals. Advantages may include higher activator contents, forming more complex shapes without machining, providing a wider range of possible activator gradients and higher growth rates at lower temperatures.