There exists a theorem--by Hausdorff--about extending subspace metrics, according to which: > Given a metric space $\ (X\ d),\ $ a closed subset $\ A\subseteq X,\ $ and a metrics $\ \rho_0\ $ in $\ A\ $ such that metrics $\ \rho_0\ $ and $\ d\,|\,A\times A\ $ are topologically equivalent (in $\ A$), there exists a metrics $\ \rho\ $ in $\ X\ $ which is topologically equivalent to $\ d,\ $ and such that $\ \rho\,|\,A\times A = \rho_0$. An especially elegant proof was obtained by Henryk Toruńczyk, "[A short proof of Hausdorff’s theorem on extending metrics][1]", *Fund. Math.* **77** (1972), no. 2, 191–193. MR 47:9559. (*A search will provide you with more information*). [1]: http://matwbn.icm.edu.pl/ksiazki/fm/fm77/fm77118.pdf